New Fic - Taking Chances Part Three
And here's the final part.
Enjoy
Part Two
“My plane was cancelled,” Daniel told Sha’re, “The next one means I’d get there and have to turn around again. I have a mission so I’ll come next week. If that’s okay?”
“Of course,” she replied, letting out a soft sigh, “I’ll let Nicky know.”
“Can I talk to him myself?” Daniel asked, annoyance filling his voice.
“He’s staying at Debbie and Mike’s tonight,” Sha’re explained, “They’re at the cinema just now.” Sha’re heard him sigh slightly, “Daniel, I have to go. I have things to do.”
“Sure,” Daniel said shortly, all their conversations recently were like this sharp and to the point, “I’ll see you next week.”
As he hung up Sha’re let out a long annoyed moan. The past few months had been tense between them but she made sure their contact was as little as possible. She only saw him when he picked up and dropped off Nicky, who she knew was finding it a little confusing that his Mom and Uncle Daniel were not as friendly as they once were but at least he wasn’t asking where his uncle Daniel was all the time now. Checking her watch Sha’re knew she would have to wait at least another hour before she could call and ask Debbie to take Nicky for the rest of tomorrow while Sha’re went for her Spa day.
As she was about to sit down to read her book someone rang her doorbell, she at least knew that it wasn’t going to be someone telling her Daniel was missing again. Opening the door Sha’re stared in amazement at who was standing there.
“Hi, honey,” her father said softly, “Aren’t you inviting me in?”
x
“Dad?”
Sha’re could only stand and stare at the man standing outside her door. Adam Dennison had disappeared over six years ago and suddenly he was standing acting as though nothing had happened.
“Sha’re, can I come in?” Adam asked again, “Or do I have to stand here all night?”
Still stunned Sha’re stepped back allowing him into the house. As she closed the door she stood and watched him looking around her home.
“Dad, where the hell have you been for six years?” Sha’re snapped angrily, “You can’t just appear here and pretend nothing has happened. Aren’t you even going to ask about Mom?”
Adam moved to her and hugged his daughter tightly, “I know about your mother. And I wish I could have been there for you but it was impossible.”
“Impossible?” anger blazed through Sha’re as she pulled away from him, “Six years, six years, Dad. Where have you been? What have you being doing? What was so important that you missed your own wife’s funeral?”
Adam shook his head, “I can’t tell you.”
“Of course not,” she snapped pushing her hand through her hair, with a sigh Sha’re dropped into a seat.
Adam sat beside her and she studied her adoptive father, he looked older his salt and pepper hair was now completely white with his skin paler than ever before. Sha’re was relieved that Nicky wasn’t here, she couldn’t face that meeting tonight.
“I was actually expecting to find David here,” Adam spoke up breaking through her musings, “Are you house-sitting?”
Sha’re dropped her eyes, “No. David and Therese died almost five years ago. They left me the house so I could raise Nicky here.”
“Nicky?”
Sha’re reached out and picked up the picture of Nicky that was sitting beside the couch, “Here. He’s five. He is the light of my life, Dad. And now I guess he has a grandfather.”
x
Adam sat drinking the tea his daughter had made studying her as she sat nervously across from him.
“Did David find his brother?” he asked as he studied the photograph of Sha’re’s friends beside the one of her adopted son.
Sha’re dropped her eyes sadly for a moment before shaking her head, “No. But I found him.”
“That’s wonderful,” Adam smiled at her, “So since we can’t find anything else to talk about just now, why don’t you tell me about him.”
Sha’re took a deep breath and started talking about Daniel.
“You care about him?” Adam asked as she hesitated during her story.
“I do,” she sighed, “It’s complicated, Dad. Daniel is a wonderful man and he adores Nicky, he loves me but…”
“But?”
“Let’s just say I chased him away,” she sighed, “He comes and sees Nicky as often as he can but we’re no longer talking.”
Adam reached out and squeezed her hand, “I’m sorry, Sha’re.”
“It’s nothing,” she sighed, “So where have you been, Dad?”
Adam took a deep breath, “I’ve been trying to find out about you actually. About where you came from.”
“Dad?”
“And I’ve found something,” he grinned at her, “Honey, I need you to come with me just now. I know its short notice but what I’ve found won’t stay hidden for long.”
Sha’re stared at him, she knew she couldn’t tell him that she knew Abydos was gone, “Okay,” she agreed, whatever he had she would look at and then come home where she could introduce him to his grandson, “I need to call Debbie and ask her to watch Nicky for a few days.”
*********************************************
Consciousness filtered into Sha’re’s mind as she groggily opened her eyes and looked around. She tried to capture her memories of how she got here and what happened.
“Dad,” she whispered, she knew he’d been with her, “Dad?”
Silence answered her and Sha’re rubbed her eyes trying to find the energy to wake up properly. As the room came into focus she found she was lying on a platform against a wall with a large entrance just across from her.
Sha’re managed to sit up fighting against the wave of nausea that hit her. Taking several deep breaths she managed to focus and thankfully the nausea settled although her head still felt like it was going to lift off at any minute. Finally she managed to pull herself to her feet and walked to the exit hoping to find her father, she cried out as the field appeared from nowhere repelling her back into the room and onto the floor.
“Well,” a deep resonate voice came from above her; “You are awake finally.”
Looking up Sha’re stared, “Dad?” She gasped as his eyes glowed with a golden light and she knew what was happening, “No. Ra.”
“I am not Ra,” he told her, “He was murdered several years ago by your friend Daniel Jackson. I am Ho’ol. When I learned of a long lost brother from this host then it became clear I would have bait for the trap but you, you are so much better.”
“I want to talk to my father,” Sha’re demanded as she pulled herself to her feet.
Ho’ol laughed, “Nothing of the host survives.”
“I don’t believe that,” she replied.
Ho’ol laughed again before he turned and left her alone in the cell. She was bait.
x
Sha’re sat on the bunk waiting. Relief filled her that she hadn’t let Nicky meet the man she thought was her father and that Nicky was safe with Debbie. Although the memories were faint she did remember the fear of the creature that had oppressed the world she’d been born on. Ra, the name had always sent shivers down her spine as a child - it still did. She’d been in the third grade and her teacher announced the project for the semester was Ancient Egypt. Sha’re would never forget the panic attack she’d had when the symbol of Ra had been uncovered, the overwhelming fear she couldn’t control had left her sobbing in her mother’s arms for hours. Sha’re let out a soft cry of shock as she felt the room shift slightly wincing as she almost fell off her seat.
Footsteps started towards her and Sha’re swallowed hard as she knew they were coming for her.
The guards dragged Sha’re as she fought against them, Ho’ol sat on the throne watching her with a smile.
“You are beautiful,” he mused as she was forced to her knees in front of the throne, “It is a pity to waste you.”
He turned to one of the servants standing with his head bowed, “Do we have a child ready?”
“Not yet, my Lord,” the servant replied, “There will be one ready in a few days.”
Ho’ol smiled, “Excellent. Place her in the cell. My daughter will have a new host very soon.”
*********************************************
Daniel was in a foul mood and had been since they’d left Earth. The others knew the reason why and were avoiding talking about it with him. They were hoping this would be a quick mission so they could get back to Earth and he could go see his nephew.
“So,” Daniel said as he followed Jacob through the corridors, “What is this Gould up to that the Tok’ra are so interested in?”
“Ho’ol is trying to take over some of Apophis former strongholds,” Jacob told him, “We need you to make sure the talisman he’s claiming grants him the right is real.”
“Sounds fun,” he murmured moving forward to join Teal’c.
Jacob turned to his daughter bemused at the archaeologist’s sullen demeanour since they’d rendezvoused with him, “Is he okay?”
“He didn’t get to see Nicky this week,” she explained, “Plus he and Sha’re broke up a few weeks ago.”
“You’re kidding,” Jacob frowned, “When we met her she was crazy about him.”
Sam shrugged, “We don’t ask.”
x
Daniel stopped as Teal’c held up his hand; he nodded moving so he could see what was coming. Two Jaffa were headed their way dragging someone between them and as Daniel saw who it was anger then panic filled him.
“Sha’re?”
Teal’c grabbed his shoulder stopping him from moving as they watched the woman he loved being dragged through the corridors of a Gould ship. Teal’c tapped his arm and as he glanced over his friend motioned him to use his zat at his signal. Licking his lips hoping to calm himself Daniel waited until Teal’c nodded, at the sign they moved from their hiding place and fired quickly at the two guards. Sha’re jumped in shock as the men dragging her through the corridors suddenly cried out and fell to the ground. Relief covered her face as Daniel ran to her.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Daniel demanded the moment he reached her, “Tell me Nicky isn’t with you?”
“Daniel,” Sam tried to stop him.
“How did you get here?” he continued to yell at her, “Do you have any idea…”
“Daniel,” Sam snapped this time, “Stop it.”
Daniel glared at her before he turned back and saw Sha’re properly, her brown eyes were filled with pain and fear, they were red-rimmed and her cheeks stained with tears. His anger melted away to worry and quickly pulled her to him.
“I’m sorry,” he breathed as he wrapped his arm around her, “I’m so sorry. Tell me what happened?”
“I thought he’d come home,” Sha’re whispered, “I thought he’d…he was…”
“Who?” Daniel asked.
Sha’re looked up at him, “My father.”
“Your father?” Daniel asked confused.
“He is like Ra now,” Sha’re tried to explain, “He is…”
“Goa’uld,” Teal’c finished for her as he pushed them to start moving.
Daniel grabbed Sha’re and pulled her into the corner, he had one arm wrapped around her waist while he placed his hand against her mouth.
“Sh,” he murmured in her ear as they watched the Gould stalk through the corridors.
Daniel could feel Sha’re sag against him as the Gould came into their view, he recognised him instantly as Sha’re’s father. Although he’d never met him in person Daniel had read enough of Adam Dennison’s work and attended a few lectures so he could recognise him on sight.
“Find her,” Ho’ol snarled, “I want her found now.”
Daniel held Sha’re tighter as she shivered especially as the Gould stood directly in front of them. After a few seconds he moved away and Daniel relaxed his grip on her.
“Okay,” Daniel murmured softly, “We’re going to head back to the ship. You have to run and no matter what happens you can’t turn back. Okay?”
Sha’re nodded.
“He’s not going to get you,” Daniel assured her, “I promise.”
“He doesn’t want me,” Sha’re told him, “He wants you. He said I’m the bait.”
“He’s not getting either of us,” Daniel replied, “Come on.”
x
Jacob led the team plus Sha’re back to the ship, Sha’re’s hand gripped Daniel’s arm as they ran. She was trying hard to keep calm; at least until they were safe then she would panic.
“Halt,” Ho’ol’s resonate voice came from in front of them.
Sha’re felt Daniel push her so he was behind him as he raised the strange weapon he had.
“Dr Jackson,” the Goa’uld said, “Surrender to me and I shall allow your friends to go free.”
Sha’re held tighter onto Daniel’s arm.
“Yeah, right,” Daniel called back, as Jaffa appeared behind Ho’ol.
“You have no way to get to your vessel without my generous offer,” Ho’ol told him.
Daniel glanced at Sam who raised an eyebrow at him, “How about we try.”
Sha’re watched in amazement as the team managed to take out all the guards quickly without any of them being hurt. Ho’ol looked enraged as he realised his Jaffa were no longer there, raising his hand Sha’re saw the orange jewel on his palm begin to glow.
Daniel suddenly fired his strange weapon and Sha’re gasped as blue light danced around Ho’ol as he cried out.
“Sha’re,” her father’s voice came, “I’m sorry.”
“Daddy?” she whispered, without thought she ran to him hearing Daniel swear slightly, “Dad?”
Crouching beside him she saw that it was her father staring back at her.
“Go,” he told her, his voice shaking with pain, “You have to leave here. He is coming back and I can’t stop him.”
Sha’re felt her tears slide down her cheeks, “I can’t leave you here.”
“Take her,” Adam ordered Daniel as he crouched beside her, “Make her leave.”
“Sha’re, we have to go,” Daniel gripped her arm trying to move her.
“I’m not leaving him,” she cried.
“Go,” Adam cried as his hand moved against his will towards the weapon lying near him.
Daniel grabbed Sha’re around her waist throwing her round and covering her with his body as Teal’c fired killing the Goa’uld and host.
“Dad?” Sha’re cried as Daniel released her, “No. Dad.”
x
Daniel wanted to be able to comfort the distraught woman but he had no time as he heard the ominous sound of several Jaffa coming their way.
“Daniel, get her to the ship,” Jacob ordered, “And get it ready to go.”
Nodding quickly at the former General Daniel grabbed Sha’re’s arm and yanked her away from the body of her father knowing that Jacob would fire the zat once more and disintegrate the body so Ho’ol could never rise again. Sha’re fought against him but Daniel managed to get her moving. Making it to the ship Daniel pulled her inside and sat her down.
“I’m sorry but we have to leave now,” he cupped her cheek, “Stay here.”
Daniel ran into the cockpit and started the ship’s engines waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.
“Daniel, we’re in,” Jacob yelled, “Go.”
As Daniel lifted the vessel into the air Jacob appeared beside him and took the other seat as they broke out of the atmosphere before they jumped to hyperspace.
*********************************************
Daniel let out a long breath of relief as Jacob announced they were safe. Leaning back in the pilot’s seat Daniel glanced over to the rest of his team making sure they were alright. Sam and Teal’c were both exhausted looking but everyone was fine.
“It’ll take about a day before we reach a planet with a Stargate,” Jacob told them, “Or two days directly to Earth. Any preferences?”
“Stargate,” Daniel said instantly, “I want to get Sha’re home as fast as possible.”
Jacob nodded in understanding, “I’ll set course now. There are supplies in the back, there should be some blankets there too.”
“Thank you,” Daniel sighed.
Heading to the back of the ship Daniel found a blanket, some food and water before he went to check on their passenger. Sha’re was sitting huddled in a corner, her knees pulled up to her chest as tears slid silently down her cheeks. Daniel sat at her side wrapping the blanket around her shoulders; he could see her shivering as she stared blankly ahead.
“Here,” Daniel placed the canteen to her lips, “You need to drink.”
He watched as she automatically sipped the cool clean water without a word making sure she drank enough before he set the canteen down and returned his attention to her.
“Sha’re,” Daniel touched her cheek turning her to look at him, “I’m so sorry. I wish I could have done more. I wish I could have saved him.”
“He left us six years ago,” Sha’re’s voice was barely above a whisper and filled with sorrow, “I don’t think I ever stopped hoping he’d come home one day. And when he did, no matter how angry I was at him I wanted to let Nicky have a grandfather. Now that’s not going to happen.”
Daniel slid his arm around her, pulling her close as more tears fell. He closed his eyes knowing that he was a horrible person for being happy that he could hold her. Caught in his own thoughts Daniel almost missed the soft whisper.
“I miss you.”
Daniel gently stroked her hair, “I’ve been right where you left me.”
Sha’re pulled away and looked up at him sadness filling her dark eyes, “I messed this up, didn’t I?”
Daniel gave a slight shrug not wanting to say what he was thinking on that subject, he’d been miserable since she’d broken up with him and hated that they could barely stay in the same room for more than ten minutes without it becoming exceedingly tense.
Sha’re dropped her eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath and looking back up at him, “When you were missing I was so afraid, Daniel. I couldn’t bear to think what my life would be like if you weren’t there anymore. I’d lost my father or at least thought I had the same way, he just went missing.” She stopped and Daniel could see she was building herself up to say something so he waited until she was ready to speak. Silence filled the small room and Sha’re pulled the blanket tighter around herself before she looked up at him again, “When you were missing I thought I was pregnant.”
“What?”
“I was afraid that I would be and you wouldn’t come back,” she continued anguished, “But I was even more afraid that I wasn’t and I would lose my last connection to you. I love you, Daniel and I’ve been so afraid that I pushed you away.”
Gently Daniel caught her chin lifting her face up so he could look into her eyes, “I love you too. And I want to be with you forever. Will you let me?”
Sha’re kissed him, her arms moved around his neck pulling him as close as she could get him. As they parted Sha’re rested her head on his shoulder as he held her.
“Marry me,” Daniel whispered as he stroked her neck with his fingertips, as she jerked away and looked up at him he shrugged, “Not exactly the way I was going to ask,” Daniel gave another shrug, “I’d planned on having you and Nicky come to Colorado for Christmas so he could see the snow, on Christmas Eve after he went to bed we would sit in front of a roaring fire and I would give you the ring.”
“How long were you planning that?” Sha’re asked feeling the heat of a blush on her cheeks.
“Since the two weeks I spent with you,” he confessed, “And I haven’t bought a ring, it was my mothers’.”
“Oh,” was all she could manage.
Daniel dropped a soft kiss onto her hair, “You haven’t answered me.”
“Are you serious?” Sha’re asked with hope in her eyes.
“Completely.”
x
Daniel gently stroked Sha’re’s arm as she slept cuddled up against him, thinking over the previous day and everything she’d witnessed including losing her father for the second time.
He knew it was possibly the worst timing in the world to propose to her while she was in shock and grieving but it had slipped out.
Daniel had spent a lot of time planning on how to ask her that question, even after she’d pushed him away and in a Tel’tac after running from a Gould was never in there. She hadn’t answered him yet but cuddled close in silence until she fell asleep.
“Daniel,” Jacob called softly motioning him over.
Sha’re shifted slightly with a sigh as Daniel moved away from her but she didn’t wake up. Impulsively he pressed a kiss to her forehead before moving to join Jacob.
“Is she okay?” Jacob asked as they moved into the other room.
Daniel shrugged, “I don’t know but I guess only time will tell.”
“Have you told her?”
Daniel rolled his eyes, “A long time ago but yes, I reminded her I love her.”
*********************************************
Jack sat staring at the computer wondering when SG1 would make their call so he could go home and get some sleep. He needed to make sure his team were safe before he could relax. Checking the clock Jack decided if they hadn’t called in ten minutes he was heading to the commissary for chocolate cake. Megan kept him a stash for days like these.
Just as he had decided to move the sound of the Gate made him sigh in relief and he jumped up as the alarms started to sound.
“It’s an SG1 signal,” Walter said the moment Jack entered the control room.
“They’re coming back?” Jack murmured before shrugging, “Open the Iris.”
Watching the centre of Gate spin away revealing the blue water Jack frowned as Sam and Teal’c walked through followed by Daniel and an unexpected guest followed finally by Jacob.
“Sha’re?” Jack asked as he entered the Gateroom to greet his team plus Daniel’s ex-girlfriend.
The young woman looked up at him, her eyes were slightly glazed and Jack could see she was in shock. As Jacob joined him he gave a quick nod.
“Daniel, take her to the infirmary,” Jack ordered, “We’ll catch up after.”
Daniel nodded his arm wrapped around Sha’re’s waist as he guided her down to the infirmary, once they were out of the room Jack turned to the others.
“What the hell happened?”
x
Janet watched Daniel as he walked Sha’re to one of the beds in the corner. Jack had called down to warn her so she ready for their unexpected guest. Janet had liked Sha’re when she’d met the young woman but when she’d unceremoniously dumped Daniel after he’d been missing for those horrible three months Sam and Janet’s opinion of her dropped considerably. It wasn’t hard to see how badly the break up had affected Daniel, he’d returned to his old working patterns which was not helped by the fact the person who used to force him away from work was now in charge and working just as long hours. But watching him now Janet could clearly see Daniel was just as in love with her as he’d been from practically day one.
“Okay,” Janet said smartly as she walked over to them, “Sha’re, nice to see you again. You’ve already been through this once before so you know the routine. Daniel?”
“I’m staying,” he stated, his eyes filled with determination.
Janet nodded, the blank look in Sha’re’s eyes worried her already but she decided to start with the usual checks.
x
Daniel watched Sha’re as she answered Janet’s questions in a soft monotone. She’d been silent since she’d woken in the ship just resting against him as they moved through the Gate and the base. He wasn’t sure how to feel right now. She’d told him she loved him but Daniel wasn’t sure if he could believe her. Daniel knew how situations like the one they’d just been in heightened emotions, he was sure that was why things had failed originally because of how they’d come together. They’d slept together for the first time after she’d been abducted, he should have known that it wouldn’t last and letting this situation start the pattern again was stupid. The problem was Daniel loved her.
“Daniel, the General wants you and Sha’re in the conference room,” Janet interrupted his thoughts.
Looking up he nodded smartly and turned to Sha’re, “Come on. Once we tell Jack what happened we can go get something to eat.”
“And I can call Nicky?”
Daniel squeezed her hand, “Of course.”
*********************************************
“Debbie, I’m fine,” Sha’re told her friend as she sat curled up on Daniel’s couch wearing a pair of his sweats with his University Of Chicago T-shirt, “I’m sorry I left with just the cryptic message but it was important and I couldn’t explain. I’ll be home in a few days”
“Sha’re, what exactly have you been doing?” Debbie demanded.
Taking a deep breath Sha’re sighed, “It was about my father.”
“What?”
“It’s hard to explain,” Sha’re continued, wishing she didn’t have to lie to her friend like this but there was no way she could explain exactly what had happened besides Debbie would never believe her even if she could, “But for a while I thought he might actually be alive.”
“And?” Debbie demanded when Sha’re paused.
“It was false alarm,” Sha’re whispered sadly, “Just someone trying to get money out of me. Thankfully I ran into some friends who helped.”
“So where are you?” Debbie asked worriedly.
Sha’re took another breath, “I’m in Colorado. Specifically,” she got in before her friend could say anything, “I’m at Daniel’s.”
“What?”
“It was Daniel and his friends who helped,” Sha’re sighed, “Please don’t say anything just now, Debbie. I just need to talk to Nicky.”
“Hold on,” her friend said.
Sha’re sighed closing her eyes for a second smiling as the voice came over the phone to her.
“Mommy?”
“Hi, baby,” Sha’re smiled happy to hear his voice, “Are you being a good boy?”
“I am,” he said eagerly, “Auntie Debbie made us ‘ghettti for dinner. Are you coming home soon?”
“In a few days,” she promised him, “I had some things to do and I came to see your Uncle Daniel.”
“Are you still mad at him?” the question made her wince especially as Daniel chose that moment to arrive with the tea he’d been making.
“I’m not mad at your uncle Daniel,” she replied seeing Daniel smile at her, “Do you want to talk to him.”
At his affirmative cry Sha’re handed the phone to Daniel.
“Hey kiddo,” Daniel said as he took the call, “I will bring your mom home in a few days and we can do something fun.”
“Disneyland?”
“I’ll talk to your mom,” he promised, “Now be good for Debbie.”
“I promise,” Nicky said.
Daniel handed the phone back to Sha’re so she could say goodbye to her son. As she hung up the phone Sha’re closed her eyes and let out a long sigh of relief.
x
“Do you want something to eat?” Daniel asked as he searched for a topic of conversation since they were avoiding everything that had been said on the ship.
“Pizza would be nice,” Sha’re smiled at him.
Daniel reached out and smiled as she handed him the phone, he quickly ordered two pizzas and some sides before dropping it back down.
“What?” he asked at her amused look.
“That is on your speed dial?”
Daniel rolled his eyes, “Before I met you there were many more takeout places.”
Sha’re laughed before sighing softly, “We should probably talk about what happened when we were…what I said…what you said…”
As she trailed off Daniel smiled, “I know but I don’t want us to do what we did last time and rush into things.”
“We didn’t rush into things,” Sha’re told him, “Daniel, please understand that when you disappeared all I could think of was how the same thing happened with my father, how my Mom spent so long waiting for him to come home again and he never did.”
Daniel stared at her for a few moments taking this in before he spoke again, “I came back.”
Sha’re nodded, “And when Jack called me telling me you were safe I wanted to make him transport me directly to the SGC so I could hold you but the longer it was until I saw you…I don’t know what happened I saw you and I pulled away. I’ve always done it.”
Daniel reached out and drew his fingers across her brow, “You don’t have to anymore.”
Sha’re closed her eyes and moved closer to him, “I love you, Daniel. I do and I want to be brave enough to let you in. But sometimes I feel I lose everyone I love.”
“Your dad.”
“And my mom and my family on Abydos,” she continued for him, “And David and Therese.”
Daniel rested his forehead against hers, “I’ve lost everyone too but I am willing to open myself up to it again because you are worth it.”
Sha’re looked into his deep blue eyes, “The question you asked, I don’t want to give an answer just now. Will you ask again?”
Daniel grinned at her, “I will,” he promised before he kissed her.
Enjoy
Part Two
“My plane was cancelled,” Daniel told Sha’re, “The next one means I’d get there and have to turn around again. I have a mission so I’ll come next week. If that’s okay?”
“Of course,” she replied, letting out a soft sigh, “I’ll let Nicky know.”
“Can I talk to him myself?” Daniel asked, annoyance filling his voice.
“He’s staying at Debbie and Mike’s tonight,” Sha’re explained, “They’re at the cinema just now.” Sha’re heard him sigh slightly, “Daniel, I have to go. I have things to do.”
“Sure,” Daniel said shortly, all their conversations recently were like this sharp and to the point, “I’ll see you next week.”
As he hung up Sha’re let out a long annoyed moan. The past few months had been tense between them but she made sure their contact was as little as possible. She only saw him when he picked up and dropped off Nicky, who she knew was finding it a little confusing that his Mom and Uncle Daniel were not as friendly as they once were but at least he wasn’t asking where his uncle Daniel was all the time now. Checking her watch Sha’re knew she would have to wait at least another hour before she could call and ask Debbie to take Nicky for the rest of tomorrow while Sha’re went for her Spa day.
As she was about to sit down to read her book someone rang her doorbell, she at least knew that it wasn’t going to be someone telling her Daniel was missing again. Opening the door Sha’re stared in amazement at who was standing there.
“Hi, honey,” her father said softly, “Aren’t you inviting me in?”
x
“Dad?”
Sha’re could only stand and stare at the man standing outside her door. Adam Dennison had disappeared over six years ago and suddenly he was standing acting as though nothing had happened.
“Sha’re, can I come in?” Adam asked again, “Or do I have to stand here all night?”
Still stunned Sha’re stepped back allowing him into the house. As she closed the door she stood and watched him looking around her home.
“Dad, where the hell have you been for six years?” Sha’re snapped angrily, “You can’t just appear here and pretend nothing has happened. Aren’t you even going to ask about Mom?”
Adam moved to her and hugged his daughter tightly, “I know about your mother. And I wish I could have been there for you but it was impossible.”
“Impossible?” anger blazed through Sha’re as she pulled away from him, “Six years, six years, Dad. Where have you been? What have you being doing? What was so important that you missed your own wife’s funeral?”
Adam shook his head, “I can’t tell you.”
“Of course not,” she snapped pushing her hand through her hair, with a sigh Sha’re dropped into a seat.
Adam sat beside her and she studied her adoptive father, he looked older his salt and pepper hair was now completely white with his skin paler than ever before. Sha’re was relieved that Nicky wasn’t here, she couldn’t face that meeting tonight.
“I was actually expecting to find David here,” Adam spoke up breaking through her musings, “Are you house-sitting?”
Sha’re dropped her eyes, “No. David and Therese died almost five years ago. They left me the house so I could raise Nicky here.”
“Nicky?”
Sha’re reached out and picked up the picture of Nicky that was sitting beside the couch, “Here. He’s five. He is the light of my life, Dad. And now I guess he has a grandfather.”
x
Adam sat drinking the tea his daughter had made studying her as she sat nervously across from him.
“Did David find his brother?” he asked as he studied the photograph of Sha’re’s friends beside the one of her adopted son.
Sha’re dropped her eyes sadly for a moment before shaking her head, “No. But I found him.”
“That’s wonderful,” Adam smiled at her, “So since we can’t find anything else to talk about just now, why don’t you tell me about him.”
Sha’re took a deep breath and started talking about Daniel.
“You care about him?” Adam asked as she hesitated during her story.
“I do,” she sighed, “It’s complicated, Dad. Daniel is a wonderful man and he adores Nicky, he loves me but…”
“But?”
“Let’s just say I chased him away,” she sighed, “He comes and sees Nicky as often as he can but we’re no longer talking.”
Adam reached out and squeezed her hand, “I’m sorry, Sha’re.”
“It’s nothing,” she sighed, “So where have you been, Dad?”
Adam took a deep breath, “I’ve been trying to find out about you actually. About where you came from.”
“Dad?”
“And I’ve found something,” he grinned at her, “Honey, I need you to come with me just now. I know its short notice but what I’ve found won’t stay hidden for long.”
Sha’re stared at him, she knew she couldn’t tell him that she knew Abydos was gone, “Okay,” she agreed, whatever he had she would look at and then come home where she could introduce him to his grandson, “I need to call Debbie and ask her to watch Nicky for a few days.”
*********************************************
Consciousness filtered into Sha’re’s mind as she groggily opened her eyes and looked around. She tried to capture her memories of how she got here and what happened.
“Dad,” she whispered, she knew he’d been with her, “Dad?”
Silence answered her and Sha’re rubbed her eyes trying to find the energy to wake up properly. As the room came into focus she found she was lying on a platform against a wall with a large entrance just across from her.
Sha’re managed to sit up fighting against the wave of nausea that hit her. Taking several deep breaths she managed to focus and thankfully the nausea settled although her head still felt like it was going to lift off at any minute. Finally she managed to pull herself to her feet and walked to the exit hoping to find her father, she cried out as the field appeared from nowhere repelling her back into the room and onto the floor.
“Well,” a deep resonate voice came from above her; “You are awake finally.”
Looking up Sha’re stared, “Dad?” She gasped as his eyes glowed with a golden light and she knew what was happening, “No. Ra.”
“I am not Ra,” he told her, “He was murdered several years ago by your friend Daniel Jackson. I am Ho’ol. When I learned of a long lost brother from this host then it became clear I would have bait for the trap but you, you are so much better.”
“I want to talk to my father,” Sha’re demanded as she pulled herself to her feet.
Ho’ol laughed, “Nothing of the host survives.”
“I don’t believe that,” she replied.
Ho’ol laughed again before he turned and left her alone in the cell. She was bait.
x
Sha’re sat on the bunk waiting. Relief filled her that she hadn’t let Nicky meet the man she thought was her father and that Nicky was safe with Debbie. Although the memories were faint she did remember the fear of the creature that had oppressed the world she’d been born on. Ra, the name had always sent shivers down her spine as a child - it still did. She’d been in the third grade and her teacher announced the project for the semester was Ancient Egypt. Sha’re would never forget the panic attack she’d had when the symbol of Ra had been uncovered, the overwhelming fear she couldn’t control had left her sobbing in her mother’s arms for hours. Sha’re let out a soft cry of shock as she felt the room shift slightly wincing as she almost fell off her seat.
Footsteps started towards her and Sha’re swallowed hard as she knew they were coming for her.
The guards dragged Sha’re as she fought against them, Ho’ol sat on the throne watching her with a smile.
“You are beautiful,” he mused as she was forced to her knees in front of the throne, “It is a pity to waste you.”
He turned to one of the servants standing with his head bowed, “Do we have a child ready?”
“Not yet, my Lord,” the servant replied, “There will be one ready in a few days.”
Ho’ol smiled, “Excellent. Place her in the cell. My daughter will have a new host very soon.”
*********************************************
Daniel was in a foul mood and had been since they’d left Earth. The others knew the reason why and were avoiding talking about it with him. They were hoping this would be a quick mission so they could get back to Earth and he could go see his nephew.
“So,” Daniel said as he followed Jacob through the corridors, “What is this Gould up to that the Tok’ra are so interested in?”
“Ho’ol is trying to take over some of Apophis former strongholds,” Jacob told him, “We need you to make sure the talisman he’s claiming grants him the right is real.”
“Sounds fun,” he murmured moving forward to join Teal’c.
Jacob turned to his daughter bemused at the archaeologist’s sullen demeanour since they’d rendezvoused with him, “Is he okay?”
“He didn’t get to see Nicky this week,” she explained, “Plus he and Sha’re broke up a few weeks ago.”
“You’re kidding,” Jacob frowned, “When we met her she was crazy about him.”
Sam shrugged, “We don’t ask.”
x
Daniel stopped as Teal’c held up his hand; he nodded moving so he could see what was coming. Two Jaffa were headed their way dragging someone between them and as Daniel saw who it was anger then panic filled him.
“Sha’re?”
Teal’c grabbed his shoulder stopping him from moving as they watched the woman he loved being dragged through the corridors of a Gould ship. Teal’c tapped his arm and as he glanced over his friend motioned him to use his zat at his signal. Licking his lips hoping to calm himself Daniel waited until Teal’c nodded, at the sign they moved from their hiding place and fired quickly at the two guards. Sha’re jumped in shock as the men dragging her through the corridors suddenly cried out and fell to the ground. Relief covered her face as Daniel ran to her.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Daniel demanded the moment he reached her, “Tell me Nicky isn’t with you?”
“Daniel,” Sam tried to stop him.
“How did you get here?” he continued to yell at her, “Do you have any idea…”
“Daniel,” Sam snapped this time, “Stop it.”
Daniel glared at her before he turned back and saw Sha’re properly, her brown eyes were filled with pain and fear, they were red-rimmed and her cheeks stained with tears. His anger melted away to worry and quickly pulled her to him.
“I’m sorry,” he breathed as he wrapped his arm around her, “I’m so sorry. Tell me what happened?”
“I thought he’d come home,” Sha’re whispered, “I thought he’d…he was…”
“Who?” Daniel asked.
Sha’re looked up at him, “My father.”
“Your father?” Daniel asked confused.
“He is like Ra now,” Sha’re tried to explain, “He is…”
“Goa’uld,” Teal’c finished for her as he pushed them to start moving.
Daniel grabbed Sha’re and pulled her into the corner, he had one arm wrapped around her waist while he placed his hand against her mouth.
“Sh,” he murmured in her ear as they watched the Gould stalk through the corridors.
Daniel could feel Sha’re sag against him as the Gould came into their view, he recognised him instantly as Sha’re’s father. Although he’d never met him in person Daniel had read enough of Adam Dennison’s work and attended a few lectures so he could recognise him on sight.
“Find her,” Ho’ol snarled, “I want her found now.”
Daniel held Sha’re tighter as she shivered especially as the Gould stood directly in front of them. After a few seconds he moved away and Daniel relaxed his grip on her.
“Okay,” Daniel murmured softly, “We’re going to head back to the ship. You have to run and no matter what happens you can’t turn back. Okay?”
Sha’re nodded.
“He’s not going to get you,” Daniel assured her, “I promise.”
“He doesn’t want me,” Sha’re told him, “He wants you. He said I’m the bait.”
“He’s not getting either of us,” Daniel replied, “Come on.”
x
Jacob led the team plus Sha’re back to the ship, Sha’re’s hand gripped Daniel’s arm as they ran. She was trying hard to keep calm; at least until they were safe then she would panic.
“Halt,” Ho’ol’s resonate voice came from in front of them.
Sha’re felt Daniel push her so he was behind him as he raised the strange weapon he had.
“Dr Jackson,” the Goa’uld said, “Surrender to me and I shall allow your friends to go free.”
Sha’re held tighter onto Daniel’s arm.
“Yeah, right,” Daniel called back, as Jaffa appeared behind Ho’ol.
“You have no way to get to your vessel without my generous offer,” Ho’ol told him.
Daniel glanced at Sam who raised an eyebrow at him, “How about we try.”
Sha’re watched in amazement as the team managed to take out all the guards quickly without any of them being hurt. Ho’ol looked enraged as he realised his Jaffa were no longer there, raising his hand Sha’re saw the orange jewel on his palm begin to glow.
Daniel suddenly fired his strange weapon and Sha’re gasped as blue light danced around Ho’ol as he cried out.
“Sha’re,” her father’s voice came, “I’m sorry.”
“Daddy?” she whispered, without thought she ran to him hearing Daniel swear slightly, “Dad?”
Crouching beside him she saw that it was her father staring back at her.
“Go,” he told her, his voice shaking with pain, “You have to leave here. He is coming back and I can’t stop him.”
Sha’re felt her tears slide down her cheeks, “I can’t leave you here.”
“Take her,” Adam ordered Daniel as he crouched beside her, “Make her leave.”
“Sha’re, we have to go,” Daniel gripped her arm trying to move her.
“I’m not leaving him,” she cried.
“Go,” Adam cried as his hand moved against his will towards the weapon lying near him.
Daniel grabbed Sha’re around her waist throwing her round and covering her with his body as Teal’c fired killing the Goa’uld and host.
“Dad?” Sha’re cried as Daniel released her, “No. Dad.”
x
Daniel wanted to be able to comfort the distraught woman but he had no time as he heard the ominous sound of several Jaffa coming their way.
“Daniel, get her to the ship,” Jacob ordered, “And get it ready to go.”
Nodding quickly at the former General Daniel grabbed Sha’re’s arm and yanked her away from the body of her father knowing that Jacob would fire the zat once more and disintegrate the body so Ho’ol could never rise again. Sha’re fought against him but Daniel managed to get her moving. Making it to the ship Daniel pulled her inside and sat her down.
“I’m sorry but we have to leave now,” he cupped her cheek, “Stay here.”
Daniel ran into the cockpit and started the ship’s engines waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.
“Daniel, we’re in,” Jacob yelled, “Go.”
As Daniel lifted the vessel into the air Jacob appeared beside him and took the other seat as they broke out of the atmosphere before they jumped to hyperspace.
*********************************************
Daniel let out a long breath of relief as Jacob announced they were safe. Leaning back in the pilot’s seat Daniel glanced over to the rest of his team making sure they were alright. Sam and Teal’c were both exhausted looking but everyone was fine.
“It’ll take about a day before we reach a planet with a Stargate,” Jacob told them, “Or two days directly to Earth. Any preferences?”
“Stargate,” Daniel said instantly, “I want to get Sha’re home as fast as possible.”
Jacob nodded in understanding, “I’ll set course now. There are supplies in the back, there should be some blankets there too.”
“Thank you,” Daniel sighed.
Heading to the back of the ship Daniel found a blanket, some food and water before he went to check on their passenger. Sha’re was sitting huddled in a corner, her knees pulled up to her chest as tears slid silently down her cheeks. Daniel sat at her side wrapping the blanket around her shoulders; he could see her shivering as she stared blankly ahead.
“Here,” Daniel placed the canteen to her lips, “You need to drink.”
He watched as she automatically sipped the cool clean water without a word making sure she drank enough before he set the canteen down and returned his attention to her.
“Sha’re,” Daniel touched her cheek turning her to look at him, “I’m so sorry. I wish I could have done more. I wish I could have saved him.”
“He left us six years ago,” Sha’re’s voice was barely above a whisper and filled with sorrow, “I don’t think I ever stopped hoping he’d come home one day. And when he did, no matter how angry I was at him I wanted to let Nicky have a grandfather. Now that’s not going to happen.”
Daniel slid his arm around her, pulling her close as more tears fell. He closed his eyes knowing that he was a horrible person for being happy that he could hold her. Caught in his own thoughts Daniel almost missed the soft whisper.
“I miss you.”
Daniel gently stroked her hair, “I’ve been right where you left me.”
Sha’re pulled away and looked up at him sadness filling her dark eyes, “I messed this up, didn’t I?”
Daniel gave a slight shrug not wanting to say what he was thinking on that subject, he’d been miserable since she’d broken up with him and hated that they could barely stay in the same room for more than ten minutes without it becoming exceedingly tense.
Sha’re dropped her eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath and looking back up at him, “When you were missing I was so afraid, Daniel. I couldn’t bear to think what my life would be like if you weren’t there anymore. I’d lost my father or at least thought I had the same way, he just went missing.” She stopped and Daniel could see she was building herself up to say something so he waited until she was ready to speak. Silence filled the small room and Sha’re pulled the blanket tighter around herself before she looked up at him again, “When you were missing I thought I was pregnant.”
“What?”
“I was afraid that I would be and you wouldn’t come back,” she continued anguished, “But I was even more afraid that I wasn’t and I would lose my last connection to you. I love you, Daniel and I’ve been so afraid that I pushed you away.”
Gently Daniel caught her chin lifting her face up so he could look into her eyes, “I love you too. And I want to be with you forever. Will you let me?”
Sha’re kissed him, her arms moved around his neck pulling him as close as she could get him. As they parted Sha’re rested her head on his shoulder as he held her.
“Marry me,” Daniel whispered as he stroked her neck with his fingertips, as she jerked away and looked up at him he shrugged, “Not exactly the way I was going to ask,” Daniel gave another shrug, “I’d planned on having you and Nicky come to Colorado for Christmas so he could see the snow, on Christmas Eve after he went to bed we would sit in front of a roaring fire and I would give you the ring.”
“How long were you planning that?” Sha’re asked feeling the heat of a blush on her cheeks.
“Since the two weeks I spent with you,” he confessed, “And I haven’t bought a ring, it was my mothers’.”
“Oh,” was all she could manage.
Daniel dropped a soft kiss onto her hair, “You haven’t answered me.”
“Are you serious?” Sha’re asked with hope in her eyes.
“Completely.”
x
Daniel gently stroked Sha’re’s arm as she slept cuddled up against him, thinking over the previous day and everything she’d witnessed including losing her father for the second time.
He knew it was possibly the worst timing in the world to propose to her while she was in shock and grieving but it had slipped out.
Daniel had spent a lot of time planning on how to ask her that question, even after she’d pushed him away and in a Tel’tac after running from a Gould was never in there. She hadn’t answered him yet but cuddled close in silence until she fell asleep.
“Daniel,” Jacob called softly motioning him over.
Sha’re shifted slightly with a sigh as Daniel moved away from her but she didn’t wake up. Impulsively he pressed a kiss to her forehead before moving to join Jacob.
“Is she okay?” Jacob asked as they moved into the other room.
Daniel shrugged, “I don’t know but I guess only time will tell.”
“Have you told her?”
Daniel rolled his eyes, “A long time ago but yes, I reminded her I love her.”
*********************************************
Jack sat staring at the computer wondering when SG1 would make their call so he could go home and get some sleep. He needed to make sure his team were safe before he could relax. Checking the clock Jack decided if they hadn’t called in ten minutes he was heading to the commissary for chocolate cake. Megan kept him a stash for days like these.
Just as he had decided to move the sound of the Gate made him sigh in relief and he jumped up as the alarms started to sound.
“It’s an SG1 signal,” Walter said the moment Jack entered the control room.
“They’re coming back?” Jack murmured before shrugging, “Open the Iris.”
Watching the centre of Gate spin away revealing the blue water Jack frowned as Sam and Teal’c walked through followed by Daniel and an unexpected guest followed finally by Jacob.
“Sha’re?” Jack asked as he entered the Gateroom to greet his team plus Daniel’s ex-girlfriend.
The young woman looked up at him, her eyes were slightly glazed and Jack could see she was in shock. As Jacob joined him he gave a quick nod.
“Daniel, take her to the infirmary,” Jack ordered, “We’ll catch up after.”
Daniel nodded his arm wrapped around Sha’re’s waist as he guided her down to the infirmary, once they were out of the room Jack turned to the others.
“What the hell happened?”
x
Janet watched Daniel as he walked Sha’re to one of the beds in the corner. Jack had called down to warn her so she ready for their unexpected guest. Janet had liked Sha’re when she’d met the young woman but when she’d unceremoniously dumped Daniel after he’d been missing for those horrible three months Sam and Janet’s opinion of her dropped considerably. It wasn’t hard to see how badly the break up had affected Daniel, he’d returned to his old working patterns which was not helped by the fact the person who used to force him away from work was now in charge and working just as long hours. But watching him now Janet could clearly see Daniel was just as in love with her as he’d been from practically day one.
“Okay,” Janet said smartly as she walked over to them, “Sha’re, nice to see you again. You’ve already been through this once before so you know the routine. Daniel?”
“I’m staying,” he stated, his eyes filled with determination.
Janet nodded, the blank look in Sha’re’s eyes worried her already but she decided to start with the usual checks.
x
Daniel watched Sha’re as she answered Janet’s questions in a soft monotone. She’d been silent since she’d woken in the ship just resting against him as they moved through the Gate and the base. He wasn’t sure how to feel right now. She’d told him she loved him but Daniel wasn’t sure if he could believe her. Daniel knew how situations like the one they’d just been in heightened emotions, he was sure that was why things had failed originally because of how they’d come together. They’d slept together for the first time after she’d been abducted, he should have known that it wouldn’t last and letting this situation start the pattern again was stupid. The problem was Daniel loved her.
“Daniel, the General wants you and Sha’re in the conference room,” Janet interrupted his thoughts.
Looking up he nodded smartly and turned to Sha’re, “Come on. Once we tell Jack what happened we can go get something to eat.”
“And I can call Nicky?”
Daniel squeezed her hand, “Of course.”
*********************************************
“Debbie, I’m fine,” Sha’re told her friend as she sat curled up on Daniel’s couch wearing a pair of his sweats with his University Of Chicago T-shirt, “I’m sorry I left with just the cryptic message but it was important and I couldn’t explain. I’ll be home in a few days”
“Sha’re, what exactly have you been doing?” Debbie demanded.
Taking a deep breath Sha’re sighed, “It was about my father.”
“What?”
“It’s hard to explain,” Sha’re continued, wishing she didn’t have to lie to her friend like this but there was no way she could explain exactly what had happened besides Debbie would never believe her even if she could, “But for a while I thought he might actually be alive.”
“And?” Debbie demanded when Sha’re paused.
“It was false alarm,” Sha’re whispered sadly, “Just someone trying to get money out of me. Thankfully I ran into some friends who helped.”
“So where are you?” Debbie asked worriedly.
Sha’re took another breath, “I’m in Colorado. Specifically,” she got in before her friend could say anything, “I’m at Daniel’s.”
“What?”
“It was Daniel and his friends who helped,” Sha’re sighed, “Please don’t say anything just now, Debbie. I just need to talk to Nicky.”
“Hold on,” her friend said.
Sha’re sighed closing her eyes for a second smiling as the voice came over the phone to her.
“Mommy?”
“Hi, baby,” Sha’re smiled happy to hear his voice, “Are you being a good boy?”
“I am,” he said eagerly, “Auntie Debbie made us ‘ghettti for dinner. Are you coming home soon?”
“In a few days,” she promised him, “I had some things to do and I came to see your Uncle Daniel.”
“Are you still mad at him?” the question made her wince especially as Daniel chose that moment to arrive with the tea he’d been making.
“I’m not mad at your uncle Daniel,” she replied seeing Daniel smile at her, “Do you want to talk to him.”
At his affirmative cry Sha’re handed the phone to Daniel.
“Hey kiddo,” Daniel said as he took the call, “I will bring your mom home in a few days and we can do something fun.”
“Disneyland?”
“I’ll talk to your mom,” he promised, “Now be good for Debbie.”
“I promise,” Nicky said.
Daniel handed the phone back to Sha’re so she could say goodbye to her son. As she hung up the phone Sha’re closed her eyes and let out a long sigh of relief.
x
“Do you want something to eat?” Daniel asked as he searched for a topic of conversation since they were avoiding everything that had been said on the ship.
“Pizza would be nice,” Sha’re smiled at him.
Daniel reached out and smiled as she handed him the phone, he quickly ordered two pizzas and some sides before dropping it back down.
“What?” he asked at her amused look.
“That is on your speed dial?”
Daniel rolled his eyes, “Before I met you there were many more takeout places.”
Sha’re laughed before sighing softly, “We should probably talk about what happened when we were…what I said…what you said…”
As she trailed off Daniel smiled, “I know but I don’t want us to do what we did last time and rush into things.”
“We didn’t rush into things,” Sha’re told him, “Daniel, please understand that when you disappeared all I could think of was how the same thing happened with my father, how my Mom spent so long waiting for him to come home again and he never did.”
Daniel stared at her for a few moments taking this in before he spoke again, “I came back.”
Sha’re nodded, “And when Jack called me telling me you were safe I wanted to make him transport me directly to the SGC so I could hold you but the longer it was until I saw you…I don’t know what happened I saw you and I pulled away. I’ve always done it.”
Daniel reached out and drew his fingers across her brow, “You don’t have to anymore.”
Sha’re closed her eyes and moved closer to him, “I love you, Daniel. I do and I want to be brave enough to let you in. But sometimes I feel I lose everyone I love.”
“Your dad.”
“And my mom and my family on Abydos,” she continued for him, “And David and Therese.”
Daniel rested his forehead against hers, “I’ve lost everyone too but I am willing to open myself up to it again because you are worth it.”
Sha’re looked into his deep blue eyes, “The question you asked, I don’t want to give an answer just now. Will you ask again?”
Daniel grinned at her, “I will,” he promised before he kissed her.