(no subject)
Title: Combat Zone ~ Chapter 22
Author:Kenaf
Warnings: Fluff, Hurt comfort, domestic abuse, AU
Date: 2/28/2005
Size: 35,967 words TOTAL
OTP: Jack/Daniel
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by MGM, various publishers and merchants. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended, nor any malice toward the wonderful actors and actresses that make Stargate: SG1 come to life.
Chapter 22
Feeling suddenly awkward Jack excused himself to the men’s room. Maggie reached across and took Daniel’s hand. “Thank you Danny.”
“For what?” Daniel smiled into the brown eyes so much like Jack’s.
“Being the only one to stand dealing with Jack since Sara,” Annie said softly. “When that little darling ….well…it broke him it did. It’s why he asks like a child sometimes.”
“It’s how we O’Neill’s deal with things that hurt us too much. If we are serious we think. If we think we remember.” Annie put a hand over Maggies.
“A defense mechanism,” Daniel realized. How had he not put that together before? He had always thought the man simply had a huge silly streak and level of immaturity. But since it balanced the need to command and make the decisions that came with it, Daniel saw it as a good thing. Even if it got on his nerves more times then he could mention. “Did he ever cry?”
“Not that he’d ever let me see,” Maggie said softly. “He was strong for me. But I saw how it destroyed he and Sara. But they were never friends first like you two. It makes all the difference.”
“But like the stubborn thing Jonathan is, he’ll try to push you away if you get too close.” Annie added sagely. “You are not a weak man Danny, I see that. Be strong for him and he’ll always protect those he loves. Even an old battle axe like me.”
“It’s about time you admit you’re a battle axe,” Jack laughed coming to sit down next to Daniel again. Annie made to smack her but then dinner arrived and they ate in relative contentment, minus the constant teasing between Jack and Annie.
To Daniel it was wonderful. Jack often brushed his leg, held his hand and their shoulders always touched. Maggie really did light up a room and between the two O’Neill’s Daniel felt as if he had always lived in the darkness. He saw how Annie teased Jack incessantly but saw the deep love and affection in her eyes for the O’Neill’s.
He lost himself in thought and had to focus back on the conversation.
“Don’t be silly Jack,” Annie scolded. “How long does happiness last for any of us?”
“She’s right Jack. Don’t deny yourself.” Maggie added.
“It’s just a fool’s hope. We could never pull it off.” Jack sighed unhappily.
“Okay Jack, we can talk about this another time,” Maggie said covering her son’s hand.
Daniel wasn’t sure what to say but thought he should say something. “Jack between the two of us we can do anything.”
Jack’s face lit up with a huge smile that melted Daniel to the spot. He wanted nothing more than to go back to the apartment and make love all night long. What had he said?
“Do you mean that Danny?” Jack turned his whole attention on Daniel and once again the archeologist wondered what he’d said. But he was too far in it now and he knew he’d do anything to keep that smile on Jack’s face.
“You just tell me what to do and when Jack. I’ll do everything I can.” Daniel smiled that seemed to keep Jack happy while being perfectly evasive that he had not heard the whole conversation. But he decided he better get out of the dangerous waters now. “But can we talk about this more, um in the morning perhaps? I’m getting a bit tired.”
Jack smiled. “Sure Danny anything you say!”
Alarm bells went off like a fire engine in Daniel’s head. Annie and Maggie were beaming at him. Jack was being agreeable. Daniel wasn’t sure what he just got himself into but he hoped it wasn’t going to be something he would regret.
After dinner, the two men took Maggie and Annie back to Jack’s house. Jack grabbed a few more things he’d forgotten. They said goodnight to the women before heading back to Daniel’s apartment. Daniel was very quiet, trying to think of what he might have missed, or how he could find out about it, without tipping his hat.
“You’re amazingly stubborn, Dr. Jackson,” Jack said as they headed up to Daniel’s apartment. He had looked over to Daniel several times to see that he was fidgeting and looking out the window not really noticing anything in particular. His forehead was furrowed together. It was this that cinched it and he knew he was right.
“Jack?” Daniel inquired, after a long period of silence between them. Jack watched Daniel debate with some inner demon as to whether or not to even answer him.
“Well, I guess you’re the type that’s too embarrassed to go back to the gas station when you still get lost after they’d given you directions once,” Jack grinned. “But really there was no reason to play along.” Watching carefully, Jack saw a myriad of emotions cross Daniel’s face. There was confusion, a lot of that but some admission of guilt there too. Jack pulled the Avalanche up to the apartment and they climbed out.
They walked up the stairs before Daniel finally spoke. “What do you mean?” he asked, opening up the door and letting them in.
Jack pulled Daniel into his arms. “You almost lied to me tonight, Danny. I’ve never heard you lie to me before, and I have to tell you it bothers me -a lot. So I’m letting you off the hook now, but you have to promise never to lie to me ever. Got that Doctor Jackson? Someone recently filled me with enough lies to last me a lifetime,” Daniel didn’t have to ask whom. The message was loud and clear, it was William. Or Billy as Jack had called him. Daniel did, however, appreciate that Jack hadn’t said the name. It was enough to set Daniel’s blood to boil.
Daniel was silent, trying to calm himself. Besides, he didn’t know what to say and then it started to add up. What was the saying about book smart and common sense stupid? Jack often beat him hands down in this arena. “This is about the conversation at dinner isn’t it?”
“Yeah, Danny, I can tell you didn’t have a clue. I’ve seen your spaced out look often enough to know that you missed a great deal of it. “ Daniel hung his head guiltily.
“You just seemed so happy, I would do anything in my power to keep that smile on your face, Jack. I love you,” Daniel said, softly staring into Jack’s chest.
“I know you do, so much so that you’d blindly agree to anything. But next time no lies, or deceptions got that?” Jack lifted Daniel’s chin, and looked him in the eyes. The brown eyes were reproachful, and Daniel felt shame sweep over him. He hated seeing disappointment in those velvet brown eyes, and the worse part was that he had put it there!
Blue eyes blinked away tears, wishing he didn’t get so emotional. “God, Jack, I feel so stupid and awful. Can you forgive me?”
“Already done, Danny boy. I just thought I’d let you stew during the car ride as penance. “ Jack smirked.
Daniel sagged, wrapping his arms around Jack’s neck, looking out over his shoulder, he said, “You’re right. I should have admitted my ignorance.”
“Maybe, it’s not something you are used to doing?” He rubbed Daniel’s back. “Well, if you learned your lesson. Do you want to know what we were talking about?” Jack stroked Daniel’s hair. It was one of his favorite things about Daniel was how soft his hair was but compared to all the rest it seemed minor in comparison.
“Gawd yes, Jack, please!” Daniel groaned. “Put me out of my misery for crying out loud!”
Jack chuckled, and sat then down on Daniel’s couch. “A house,” Jack smiled. “Would you like to try to live together permanently and get a house?”
Daniel’s mouth dropped open. “What? How could we? I mean the Air Force won’t let you buy a house with a man, and just shack up with him, will it?”
Jack smiled, ”Actually Ma thought of a way, and so did Annie. Besides this is a pipe dream something to think about.”
“Annie says we should run a guest house, like a B & B. That way we would be living together, but it would be under the pretense of owning a business together. That would be down the line.”
“But the program…” Daniel started and Jack put a finger to his lips. “
“Let me finish, okay?” Jack asked softly. “That would be something more to do when I retire.”
“Ma’s idea is to get a house, or loft that is either side by side, or one of us owns the bottom and the other the top. Mind you they were both giggling like school girls at that.” Jack smirked. “But you have to admit it does have merit.”
Daniel’s mind was racing, but he was yawning anyway. Jack nodded in agreement. “Yeah, how about we both sleep on it? I’m beat, let’s hit the hay.”
~~~~~
In the morning, Daniel woke up to a cold bed, and the smell of coffee. “Come on Dannyboy you can do it. Smell the java!”
“J’ck?” Daniel groaned.
“Yes, very good you passed the first test of the day. You Daniel, Me Jack, this coffee you drink make you strong!” Jack teased
“You silly monkey Cheetah,” Daniel teased back after a few sips.
“No you silly monkey, space monkey!” Jack continued, enjoying early morning Daniel. “Grab a shower hot stuff, we have to get to work,” Jack reminded him. “The General said to check in with him this morning.”
“Couldn’t we just call?” Daniel griped but padded off to the shower. Fifteen minutes later, Daniel came into the kitchen for coffee, hearing Jack on the phone talking animatedly to Maggie and Annie making plans. It seemed the real estate idea was still on, and the girls could hardly wait to go look. Daniel waited patiently for Jack to get off the phone, and downed some coffee in the meantime. When Jack got off the phone, Daniel twirled to show he was up and ready, before he said sarcastically, “Are you happy now?”
Jack’s brown eyes went wide. He backed into the kitchen counter.
“Hey, Jack are you okay?” But Jack was unresponsive, and shaking. “Jack, please talk to me. “ He took a step closer, and Jack gripped the side of the counter.
Daniel stepped back. “Jack it’s me Danny.”
Jack blinked as if clearing his mind. “Danny?”
“Oh god Jack, it’s me Danny and I love you. What did I say to do this to you?” Jack shook his head and sank to the floor, putting his arms around his knees.
“Damnit! Damnit! Damnit! Look at me!! One simple thing, and I’m a fucking wreck!” Jack berated himself.
“I am looking at you Jack, and I see a brave, handsome, wonderful man that I love with all that I am.” Daniel said softly, kneeling next to him. Jack shook his head and eagerly accepted Daniel’s embrace. After a few moments, Daniel was able to get Jack to the couch to sit down. He pressed a cup of coffee into his hands and waited. It didn’t take long.
“He said that when he hit me, about are you happy now, like I fucking wanted the abuse,” Jack whispered. Daniel closed his eyes, wishing he could take away Jack’s pain. He wondered how long it would take Jack to shake Billy from his life. After a session of hugs and kisses, Jack seemed to be okay again, if just a bit off his game.
“I think we better get going,” Jack said at last, and Daniel nodded in agreement vowing silently, that if he ever saw Billy on his own, he would have his revenge.”
Combat Zone Chapter Listing
Chapter 23
Author:Kenaf
Warnings: Fluff, Hurt comfort, domestic abuse, AU
Date: 2/28/2005
Size: 35,967 words TOTAL
OTP: Jack/Daniel
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by MGM, various publishers and merchants. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended, nor any malice toward the wonderful actors and actresses that make Stargate: SG1 come to life.
Chapter 22
Feeling suddenly awkward Jack excused himself to the men’s room. Maggie reached across and took Daniel’s hand. “Thank you Danny.”
“For what?” Daniel smiled into the brown eyes so much like Jack’s.
“Being the only one to stand dealing with Jack since Sara,” Annie said softly. “When that little darling ….well…it broke him it did. It’s why he asks like a child sometimes.”
“It’s how we O’Neill’s deal with things that hurt us too much. If we are serious we think. If we think we remember.” Annie put a hand over Maggies.
“A defense mechanism,” Daniel realized. How had he not put that together before? He had always thought the man simply had a huge silly streak and level of immaturity. But since it balanced the need to command and make the decisions that came with it, Daniel saw it as a good thing. Even if it got on his nerves more times then he could mention. “Did he ever cry?”
“Not that he’d ever let me see,” Maggie said softly. “He was strong for me. But I saw how it destroyed he and Sara. But they were never friends first like you two. It makes all the difference.”
“But like the stubborn thing Jonathan is, he’ll try to push you away if you get too close.” Annie added sagely. “You are not a weak man Danny, I see that. Be strong for him and he’ll always protect those he loves. Even an old battle axe like me.”
“It’s about time you admit you’re a battle axe,” Jack laughed coming to sit down next to Daniel again. Annie made to smack her but then dinner arrived and they ate in relative contentment, minus the constant teasing between Jack and Annie.
To Daniel it was wonderful. Jack often brushed his leg, held his hand and their shoulders always touched. Maggie really did light up a room and between the two O’Neill’s Daniel felt as if he had always lived in the darkness. He saw how Annie teased Jack incessantly but saw the deep love and affection in her eyes for the O’Neill’s.
He lost himself in thought and had to focus back on the conversation.
“Don’t be silly Jack,” Annie scolded. “How long does happiness last for any of us?”
“She’s right Jack. Don’t deny yourself.” Maggie added.
“It’s just a fool’s hope. We could never pull it off.” Jack sighed unhappily.
“Okay Jack, we can talk about this another time,” Maggie said covering her son’s hand.
Daniel wasn’t sure what to say but thought he should say something. “Jack between the two of us we can do anything.”
Jack’s face lit up with a huge smile that melted Daniel to the spot. He wanted nothing more than to go back to the apartment and make love all night long. What had he said?
“Do you mean that Danny?” Jack turned his whole attention on Daniel and once again the archeologist wondered what he’d said. But he was too far in it now and he knew he’d do anything to keep that smile on Jack’s face.
“You just tell me what to do and when Jack. I’ll do everything I can.” Daniel smiled that seemed to keep Jack happy while being perfectly evasive that he had not heard the whole conversation. But he decided he better get out of the dangerous waters now. “But can we talk about this more, um in the morning perhaps? I’m getting a bit tired.”
Jack smiled. “Sure Danny anything you say!”
Alarm bells went off like a fire engine in Daniel’s head. Annie and Maggie were beaming at him. Jack was being agreeable. Daniel wasn’t sure what he just got himself into but he hoped it wasn’t going to be something he would regret.
After dinner, the two men took Maggie and Annie back to Jack’s house. Jack grabbed a few more things he’d forgotten. They said goodnight to the women before heading back to Daniel’s apartment. Daniel was very quiet, trying to think of what he might have missed, or how he could find out about it, without tipping his hat.
“You’re amazingly stubborn, Dr. Jackson,” Jack said as they headed up to Daniel’s apartment. He had looked over to Daniel several times to see that he was fidgeting and looking out the window not really noticing anything in particular. His forehead was furrowed together. It was this that cinched it and he knew he was right.
“Jack?” Daniel inquired, after a long period of silence between them. Jack watched Daniel debate with some inner demon as to whether or not to even answer him.
“Well, I guess you’re the type that’s too embarrassed to go back to the gas station when you still get lost after they’d given you directions once,” Jack grinned. “But really there was no reason to play along.” Watching carefully, Jack saw a myriad of emotions cross Daniel’s face. There was confusion, a lot of that but some admission of guilt there too. Jack pulled the Avalanche up to the apartment and they climbed out.
They walked up the stairs before Daniel finally spoke. “What do you mean?” he asked, opening up the door and letting them in.
Jack pulled Daniel into his arms. “You almost lied to me tonight, Danny. I’ve never heard you lie to me before, and I have to tell you it bothers me -a lot. So I’m letting you off the hook now, but you have to promise never to lie to me ever. Got that Doctor Jackson? Someone recently filled me with enough lies to last me a lifetime,” Daniel didn’t have to ask whom. The message was loud and clear, it was William. Or Billy as Jack had called him. Daniel did, however, appreciate that Jack hadn’t said the name. It was enough to set Daniel’s blood to boil.
Daniel was silent, trying to calm himself. Besides, he didn’t know what to say and then it started to add up. What was the saying about book smart and common sense stupid? Jack often beat him hands down in this arena. “This is about the conversation at dinner isn’t it?”
“Yeah, Danny, I can tell you didn’t have a clue. I’ve seen your spaced out look often enough to know that you missed a great deal of it. “ Daniel hung his head guiltily.
“You just seemed so happy, I would do anything in my power to keep that smile on your face, Jack. I love you,” Daniel said, softly staring into Jack’s chest.
“I know you do, so much so that you’d blindly agree to anything. But next time no lies, or deceptions got that?” Jack lifted Daniel’s chin, and looked him in the eyes. The brown eyes were reproachful, and Daniel felt shame sweep over him. He hated seeing disappointment in those velvet brown eyes, and the worse part was that he had put it there!
Blue eyes blinked away tears, wishing he didn’t get so emotional. “God, Jack, I feel so stupid and awful. Can you forgive me?”
“Already done, Danny boy. I just thought I’d let you stew during the car ride as penance. “ Jack smirked.
Daniel sagged, wrapping his arms around Jack’s neck, looking out over his shoulder, he said, “You’re right. I should have admitted my ignorance.”
“Maybe, it’s not something you are used to doing?” He rubbed Daniel’s back. “Well, if you learned your lesson. Do you want to know what we were talking about?” Jack stroked Daniel’s hair. It was one of his favorite things about Daniel was how soft his hair was but compared to all the rest it seemed minor in comparison.
“Gawd yes, Jack, please!” Daniel groaned. “Put me out of my misery for crying out loud!”
Jack chuckled, and sat then down on Daniel’s couch. “A house,” Jack smiled. “Would you like to try to live together permanently and get a house?”
Daniel’s mouth dropped open. “What? How could we? I mean the Air Force won’t let you buy a house with a man, and just shack up with him, will it?”
Jack smiled, ”Actually Ma thought of a way, and so did Annie. Besides this is a pipe dream something to think about.”
“Annie says we should run a guest house, like a B & B. That way we would be living together, but it would be under the pretense of owning a business together. That would be down the line.”
“But the program…” Daniel started and Jack put a finger to his lips. “
“Let me finish, okay?” Jack asked softly. “That would be something more to do when I retire.”
“Ma’s idea is to get a house, or loft that is either side by side, or one of us owns the bottom and the other the top. Mind you they were both giggling like school girls at that.” Jack smirked. “But you have to admit it does have merit.”
Daniel’s mind was racing, but he was yawning anyway. Jack nodded in agreement. “Yeah, how about we both sleep on it? I’m beat, let’s hit the hay.”
~~~~~
In the morning, Daniel woke up to a cold bed, and the smell of coffee. “Come on Dannyboy you can do it. Smell the java!”
“J’ck?” Daniel groaned.
“Yes, very good you passed the first test of the day. You Daniel, Me Jack, this coffee you drink make you strong!” Jack teased
“You silly monkey Cheetah,” Daniel teased back after a few sips.
“No you silly monkey, space monkey!” Jack continued, enjoying early morning Daniel. “Grab a shower hot stuff, we have to get to work,” Jack reminded him. “The General said to check in with him this morning.”
“Couldn’t we just call?” Daniel griped but padded off to the shower. Fifteen minutes later, Daniel came into the kitchen for coffee, hearing Jack on the phone talking animatedly to Maggie and Annie making plans. It seemed the real estate idea was still on, and the girls could hardly wait to go look. Daniel waited patiently for Jack to get off the phone, and downed some coffee in the meantime. When Jack got off the phone, Daniel twirled to show he was up and ready, before he said sarcastically, “Are you happy now?”
Jack’s brown eyes went wide. He backed into the kitchen counter.
“Hey, Jack are you okay?” But Jack was unresponsive, and shaking. “Jack, please talk to me. “ He took a step closer, and Jack gripped the side of the counter.
Daniel stepped back. “Jack it’s me Danny.”
Jack blinked as if clearing his mind. “Danny?”
“Oh god Jack, it’s me Danny and I love you. What did I say to do this to you?” Jack shook his head and sank to the floor, putting his arms around his knees.
“Damnit! Damnit! Damnit! Look at me!! One simple thing, and I’m a fucking wreck!” Jack berated himself.
“I am looking at you Jack, and I see a brave, handsome, wonderful man that I love with all that I am.” Daniel said softly, kneeling next to him. Jack shook his head and eagerly accepted Daniel’s embrace. After a few moments, Daniel was able to get Jack to the couch to sit down. He pressed a cup of coffee into his hands and waited. It didn’t take long.
“He said that when he hit me, about are you happy now, like I fucking wanted the abuse,” Jack whispered. Daniel closed his eyes, wishing he could take away Jack’s pain. He wondered how long it would take Jack to shake Billy from his life. After a session of hugs and kisses, Jack seemed to be okay again, if just a bit off his game.
“I think we better get going,” Jack said at last, and Daniel nodded in agreement vowing silently, that if he ever saw Billy on his own, he would have his revenge.”
Combat Zone Chapter Listing
Chapter 23