Prompt response 1 of 7
avidrosette requested: Jack/Daniel, how do Jack and Daniel reconcile after the fade-to-black in Shades of Grey?
Daniel was the last person Jack would have expected to show up on his doorstep under the circumstances.
“You gonna let me in?”
“Sure.” Jack stepped aside and Daniel came in and headed for the living room. Jack closed the door, leaned against it for a second, and then followed.
Daniel sat down in the chair by the window and said, “The last time we were in this room together, you sat in this chair and told me lies.”
“Yes,” Jack answered, a chill surrounding his heart. “And I’ve told you why.”
“Yes,” Daniel said. “This afternoon. You explained it all. Our foundation’s solid.”
“That’s right.”
“You were being honest with me.”
Jack frowned. “Is that why you’re here? You still have doubts?”
“No.”
“Then….”
“This afternoon I lied to you, Jack.”
Jack nodded “You didn’t draw straws. I’d kinda guessed that.”
“Right. So now I’m being honest.”
“I appreciate that,” Jack said carefully.
“I’ve decided that you and I need to be completely honest with each other.” Daniel stood up. “So, I’m going to tell you now that the things you said to me hurt me more than you could ever know.”
“Jesus! Daniel….” Jack took an involuntary step forward.
“Shut up, Jack.” Daniel held up a hand and stared down at the carpet for a few moments. When he raised his head he looked weary. “I’m not mad at you. I’m not. I understand why you did what you did. I’m just sorry the whole thing ever happened.”
“You think I’m not? I’d give anything if it could have gone another way.”
“That doesn’t matter now. It’s what happens going forward that matters most to me.”
Jack spread his hands. “Tell me what you want from me.”
Daniel looked him square in the eye. “I already told you. Honesty.”
Jack’s left eyelid twitched. “About what?”
“About us, Jack. In the interests of complete honesty, is there anything you should tell me?”
Not going there, not going there, not going there. "Daniel." Warningly.
“Because if there is, now’s the time.”
“Daniel.”
“I mean it. This is the time. The one and only time, Jack.”
Jack closed his eyes. “Daniel.”
“I think you understand why I can’t be the first to say it after what’s happened.”
“Daniel!” Jack stared at him, helpless and horrified.
“Never mind,” Daniel said abruptly. “I shouldn’t have come here.” He pushed past Jack, heading for the stairs to the hallway.
“Daniel, don’t….”
“It’s okay,” Daniel flung over his shoulder as he climbed. “Don’t worry about it.”
Jack managed to get his feet moving, and caught up to Daniel at the front door. “Daniel. Please.”
Daniel’s lips were compressed. “I have to go.”
“Not like this, please!”
“Oh!” Daniel exclaimed softly. “Jack.” He nodded his head. “I forgive you.”
Jesus. "Daniel. Daniel." Jack's arms reached out. "Daniel." He pulled Daniel to him and crushed their lips together. He felt Daniel gasp. He buried his face into Daniel's neck. "Daniel." He clung desperately. "Daniel, Daniel," he whispered.
Daniel’s arms came around him, held him close, held him up as his knees shook. “I can see that you’re a man of few words, Jack.”
Jack nodded his head where it lay on Daniel’s shoulder and felt his face flame.
“Still, it’s only three.” Tender, breathless laughter.
Jack nodded his head again and relaxed enough to smile.
“We’ll work on it.”