Stargate SG-1 The Sequel - Aftermath

[harry113]

A great episode, Neil
The last line just killed me ... good sense of humour !!
Thanks
Harry

 

[gsdx]

Chapter 26
HOMECOMING​

"We'll have to have your ‘going away' party Friday night, Jackson," Mitchell said between bites. "We ship out Saturday morning at oh-eight-hundred to have a little chat with Gerak and the Jaffa council. A Prior is supposed to be there for the meeting." Mitchell shivered visibly. "Those guys give me the creeps."

"Indeed," said Teal'c.

"You should meet the Ori," Daniel said.

"I am so-o-o-o-o not looking forward to that!"

"Wear asbestos underwear... when you do," Daniel quipped.

"That would not be wise, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c replied. "Colonel Carter once explained to me the dangers of that mineral."

"It was a joke, Teal'c," Mitchell explained.

"I see," said Teal'c. "Suitable for Vaudeville, I assume."

Mitchell looked at Daniel, his fork pointed at his Jaffa friend. "Who knew Bob Hope would come back with a gold tatoo on his forehead?"

Daniel sighed.

"Isn't Sam joining us today?" Jonas asked.

"I believe Colonel Carter said she had some personal business to which she must attend before our departure."

"She told me she'd be here to join us for supper tonight after we finish the shopping," Mitchell added. "Remember, Kid," he said to Jonas. "You owe me!" Then, leaning toward Daniel, he mumbled quietly, "By the way, Jackson, I couldn't ask this with Carter here. That night in Jonas' apartment, he told me he could curl my toenails. I thought he was just feeding me a lot of BS and he told me I should ask you if it was true."

Daniel's eyebrows raised briefly, the right corner of his mouth pulled up into a sly smirk, and his eyes twinkled as he winked. "He can curl mine."

Mitchell sat back in his chair as he sucked in a deep breath. He breathed it out noisily. "Lucky bastard," he said as he looked at the table and shook his head. "Lucky bastard."

Jonas blushed and Teal'c raised his eyebrow.

* * * * *

Thursday afternoon, Dr. Lam arrived with another wheelchair and an assortment of new bandages, both of which were waterproof. With the Doctor instructing him, Jonas removed the chest and stomach bandages and applied the waterproof bandages. Daniel was about to have his first real shower since the rescue. He pulled on his bathrobe and sat in the new mesh-upholstered chair as Jonas gathered towels and the shower kit and clean pyjamas for Daniel and clean clothes for himself. Together, they headed for the locker room. They were the only people in the room.

They quickly stripped. Jonas wanted to take the wheelchair into the shower stall with them, but Daniel insisted on standing. The chair was left outside the curtained cubicle just in case. Daniel luxuriated in the water flowing over him. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the shower wall and allowed Jonas to wash him thoroughly. It was such a simple pleasure, but one which Daniel had missed for too long.

With his body completely cleaned and rinsed from head to toe, Daniel relented and allowed Jonas to retrieve the wheelchair. The stall was large enough to accommodate both the chair and Jonas. Daniel sat in the spray of the water as Jonas quickly showered, then set about giving Daniel a thorough shampoo and rinse.

"How are you dealing with. . . all this, Jonas?"

"Dealing with what?"

"You know, being naked together. . . and not being able to do anything. . . about it."

Jonas bent over, leaning against the padded arms of the wheelchair. "I deal with it because I must."

"I think I could help you. . . if you want me to."

"And I think I can wait as long as it takes," Jonas said and leaned forward to kiss him. "You're a sweetheart, Daniel, and I appreciate your concern, but I'm not in any danger of exploding or anything. When the time is right, it will happen, and it will happen for both of us."

Jonas noticed something in Daniel's eyes and in his face. He saw worry and fear, but they were unlike any others he had ever seen before, and a thought slammed itself into his brain. He squatted down and took Daniel's hands, holding them tightly. "My God, Daniel, how could you even think I would do such a thing?"

Daniel looked down and tried to pull his hands away, but Jonas refused to release them.

"You're afraid that I'll go running to Cameron if you don't do something, aren't you?"

Daniel remained silent.

"That's it, isn't it?"

Daniel's gaze was still diverted to his lap. His voice was barely a sad whisper above the sound of the splashing water when he spoke. "You said you wanted to."

"So did you, Daniel." Jonas waited. Nothing came. "Look at me," he said quietly. "Daniel, look at me. Please."

Daniel took a shallow breath and looked up.

"Cameron is just a fantasy, Daniel. He's just a dream. I won't lie and tell you that I don't find him attractive. I do. But it's you that I love - not Cameron. It's you that I want to make happy. It's you that I want to spend my life with." He paused a moment as he studied his lover's face. "You're not a dream, Daniel. You're my life."

"Cameron isn't a dream."

"Neither was Vala."

"That's not fair, Jonas."

"Yes, it is, Daniel. The only difference is that Vala never really posed a threat to us. Cameron does. And he's going to as long as we're all friends. But, you're the only reason that he wouldn't let anything happen that night in my apartment, no matter how much either of us might have wanted it. He really would have beaten the shit out of me before he allowed anything to happen that would hurt you. He cares for you, Daniel. He cares very much. He will never hurt either of us."

Daniel was silent for a long time, the spray from the shower still washing over them. Finally, he spoke. "I love you, Jonas. It would kill me if I lost you. . . to someone else."

"And I would kill myself before I ever let that happen."

Daniel dropped his chin to his chest for a moment, then slowly looked up again. "Help me stand up."

Jonas stood up and gently pulled Daniel to his feet. Daniel reached out, placing his hands on either side of Jonas chest and pulling him forward. Jonas resisted when he realized what Daniel was doing. "I might hurt you."

"I'll take that chance."

Still, Jonas resisted.

"Jonas, please," Daniel pleaded quietly. "I need to do this."

Jonas relented, allowing himself to be pulled into Daniel's body. Their arms wrapped around each other and their bodies touched. Daniel ignored the pain he felt and embraced Jonas as closely as he dared. Their hearts beat together. They settled into each other. Jonas turned his cheek to rest against Daniel's right shoulder as Daniel rested his own cheek against Jonas' hair. For a long time, they stood there, the gentle spray of the shower making the only sound in the room.

* * * * *

A plastic bag containing the clothes Jonas had requested lay on the bed when they returned to the room. Dr. Lam greeted them and instructed Jonas to remove the bandages. Jonas helped Daniel onto the bed, opened the robe, and carefully peeled the bandages away. The wounds were examined carefully and a satisfied Dr. Lam covered them with new, regular bandages.

"Tomorrow morning, we'll do this again," Dr. Lam explained to Dr. Jackson, "and then one more time on Saturday morning. I'll examine you each time and, if all goes as I anticipate, you two will be going home."

That evening, Daniel arrived for dinner dressed in his own clothes. Except for his entrance in the wheelchair, he looked like the Daniel Jackson everyone remembered - handsome, dapper, debonair, and looking every bit the scholar that he was. His eyes sparkled behind the lenses of his glasses.

"Bet you can't wait to get out of this place," Mitchell said between bites of his shepherd's pie.

Daniel reached out and grasped Jonas' hand. "It hasn't been all that bad, really. But, yeah. I'll be glad to get home again."

"Oh!" Sam shouted. "Sorry, Daniel, Colonel. I didn't mean to cut you off, but I almost forgot. If something happens you don't go home Saturday, phone Lilian and tell her. She's planning on being there to greet you."

"She lets you call her by. . . her first name?"

Sam shrugged and pulled her lips into a tight line. "What? She likes me."

"She likes me, too," Mitchell objected, "but all she wants to do is spank my butt."

"Yeah, well, Cameron," Jonas offered, "don't take it too personally. She wants to spank our butts, too."

"And if she gets her hands on yours first," Cameron said cheekily, "Teal'c and I will have enough time for a round of golf."

Sam looked down at her plate and blushed. As much as she hated to admit it, Jonas' backside was the one thing about him she had always admired. She didn't see Daniel's knowing smirk.

It was shortly after that when Daniel began to squirm in his wheelchair, pulling at the waistband of his tan-coloured slacks. His discomfort was obvious.

"Are you okay?" Jonas asked, putting a hand on Daniel's arm. The other members of SG-1 stopped eating and looked on. Their eyes reflected their concern.

"I'm not sure, Jonas. It hurts."

"Where?"

"Stomach."

Jonas immediately swung the wheelchair around to face him. He unbuttoned Daniel's slacks and loosened the zipper a bit. He carefully pulled the shirttails out and pushed them up to reveal the lower bandage. Daniel held up the shirt and sweater as Jonas lifted the bandage and checked the wound.

"It looks okay. We haven't torn anything open."

"The pain's going away now. I think it was just the waistband. . . digging into me."

"I'm taking you back to the infirmary right now."

"No, please. I'm alright. I want to stay. Just. . ."

"Just ‘what'?"

Daniel leaned forward to whisper into Jonas ear. Jonas nodded, then looked to his right where another group of people were sitting and watching. To Mitchell, he said, "Cameron? Could you help us here for a minute?"

Mitchell stood and moved around the table.

"Daniel?" Sam asked. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Sam. Really. It doesn't hurt anymore."

"What do you need?" Mitchell asked.

Jonas looked up at him. "Just shield Daniel from their view," he said softly as he nodded to the group sitting at the table behind him.

Mitchell squatted down, using his body as a screen. Jonas unzipped Daniel's pants and gently folded his underwear down and away from the bandaged wound before zipping him partway back up and carefully arranging the shirt and sweater to cover him up again.

"Better?"

"Much."

"We'll have Dr. Lam check it out when we get back, just in case." To Mitchell, Jonas said, "Thanks, Cameron."

* * * * *

Dr. Lam confirmed that it was, in fact, the waistband which had caused excess pressure on the wound. Fortunately, no harm was done that she could, but she recommended that Daniel continue to wear pyjama bottoms and to reserve the pants for special occasions only.

Later that afternoon, the duo went to Daniel's office to gather the books they would need at home. There was still much work to be done on the ancient ruins SG-1 had found and Daniel was determined to crack the code. When it became apparent that Daniel wanted to take the majority of his library home with him, Jonas emptied one of the boxes stacked in the corner of the lab, set it on the desk, and warned Daniel to choose carefully. He could take only what would fit in that box.

Sam joined them for dinner that evening, carrying a decorative cookie tin, which she set in front of Daniel. He opened it and found an assortment of cookies and fruit squares - all of them his favourites.

"Mrs. McCreary," he said as he nodded. He grabbed a few cookies, a date square and pecan square, then passed the tin around the table.

"She taught me everything she knows," Jonas said, and he stuffed a coconut macaroon into his mouth.

"She's pretty excited about you both coming home," Sam said. "Since you called her with the news, she's been busy cleaning the house top to bottom. She's unpacked your clothes, Jonas, but she's left the rest of your things for you."

"Socks and underwear," Daniel said quietly.

Jonas nodded. "Yup."

"What about them?" Mitchell asked.

"She's a sweetheart," Jonas said, "and she means well, but she always folds my underwear and rolls my socks into those little balls and puts them all in the same drawer."

"And the problem with that is?"

"It's not the way I like it," Jonas said. "I like them laying flat in separate drawers. I'll be spending Saturday afternoon sorting it all out again."

Mitchell looked at Daniel who merely shrugged and said, "I don't care as long as they're clean." He bit into the pecan square and forgot all about underwear and socks.

* * * * *

Friday evening, Jonas readied Daniel for dinner. Pressed and dressed, Jonas made certain that there was no pressure on Daniel this time before wheeling him into the commissary and up to the table where Teal'c, Mitchell, and Sam were already seated. He helped Daniel from the wheelchair and into a real chair for the first time while he ate.

They ate and they chatted and they joked and they laughed. Mitchell and Sam went to get dessert for everyone. Sam returned with a stack of paper plates and plastic forks while Mitchell carried a large, rectangular cake which he set in front of Daniel. The frosting was white and trimmed with dark blue and pale blue frosted piping. Two piped, cobalt-blue orchids framed the words ‘Hurry back Daniel' on three separate lines. Small, colourful florets in delicate patterns dotted the rest of the cake.

Through bleary eyes, Daniel made the first cut, slicing off a corner piece and scooping it onto one of the plates. This he handed to Jonas, accompanied by a ‘thank you' and a quick kiss.

"I love you," Daniel whispered.

"I love you, too," Jonas whispered back and returned the kiss.

Jonas took over the slicing, cutting out another corner which he gave to Daniel before cutting and handing out pieces to the rest of the team and to anyone else in the canteen who wanted a slice. The remainder of the cake and the paper plates and forks would go back to their room for the hospital staff.

This time, both Daniel and Jonas fed each other from their own plates.

* * * * *

Saturday morning, at 8 AM sharp, Daniel sat in his wheelchair at the base of the ramp leading to the Stargate. Before him stood Colonel Carter and Colonel Mitchell, both kitted out in their military greens. Teal'c stood beside them dressed in his Council robes, his hands tucked into the loose sleeves. Jonas Quinn stood beside the chair, his hand resting on Daniel's shoulder while General Landry stood on the other side.

Sam approached. "This could take a few days, but I'll drop by your place as soon as I can after we get back."

"Me, too," Mitchell said with a smile.

"As will I," Teal'c said with a nod.

Daniel looked into the faces of his three friends. "I wish I was going with you."

"That would be unwise, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c said. "The Prior would undoubtedly attempt to heal you in order to prove the power of the Ori."

"And we sure don't want to give them any more ammunition than they already have," Mitchell said. "Just go home and get better so we can get out there and kick some Ori butt." As an afterthought, he added, "They do have butts, don't they?"

Daniel grinned and shook his head. "Just go, Cameron."

Sam gave Daniel a goodbye kiss on the cheek. "See you soon," she said.

"Okay, SG-1 minus one," Mitchell said with authority, "let's move out."

Jonas moved behind the wheelchair as his friends stepped through the shimmering horizon of the Stargate. Moments later, it shut down and the empty, metal ring stood alone at the top of the ramp.

Jonas turned the chair to face General Landry.

Daniel raised his hand and the General took it in a firm grasp. "Thank you for everything, General," he said sincerely. "I'll be back as soon as Dr. Lam. . . gives me the ‘okay'."

"I'm sure you will, Dr. Jackson." Landry released Daniel's hand and extended it to Jonas. "Mr. Quinn? If you need anything - a nurse to help you, equipment, anything - be sure and let me know."

"We'll be fine, General," Jonas said. "I'll have him back before you know it."

General Landry released his hand and nodded. "Just don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it."

* * * * *

Showered and shaved, Daniel sat on his bed in his bathrobe. Jonas sat beside him, awaiting the delayed arrival of Dr. Lam. Jonas had taken special care that morning after they had said their farewells to SG-1. He wanted Daniel to look his best when he went home. He had even given Daniel's hair and sideburns a little trim. Daniel had been prepared to shave himself, and was quite capable of doing so, but Jonas seemed to enjoy the little task and, to be honest with himself, Daniel enjoyed it as well. Everything they were to take home with them was already packed in two suitcases and two boxes which were sitting on the floor. Daniel's ‘going home' clothes awaited him on a nearby chair.

It was almost noon before Dr. Lam arrived. She offered her apologies for being so late and commenced her final examination. It seemed to take forever, and Daniel was beginning to think that the Doctor was searching for things to examine when she finally stood back and announced, "Dr. Jackson? You may now go home."

Jonas helped Daniel off the bed and gingerly gave him a congratulatory hug and kiss. As he reached for Daniel's clothes, the Doctor gave instructions to the attending nurse, who immediately set about gathering the requested items.

"Is your shower big enough for the wheelchair?" the Doctor asked.

"Yes."

"You can take both of these wheelchairs home with you, then" Dr. Lam explained. "I don't recommend taking baths until the bandages come off entirely. Stick to showers. I'll send a supply of bandages and creams and anything else you will need home with you. The nurse is collecting them now. Unless you need to come back sooner for any reason, I'll see you next Saturday morning for another check-up."

Jonas nodded. "I'll phone later in the week to set up an appointment.

"Good." She turned her attention to Daniel. "Now, I want you to take it easy and don't push yourself too hard. If you get tired or feel dizzy, lie down. Do as Jonas tells you. He knows best." To Jonas, she added, "See that he continues his strength exercises, and don't let him stand too long or walk too far until I see him next week. If he gets tired or sore, make him use the wheelchair, even for trips to the bathroom. His diet is open now. He can have whatever he likes. Remember. Rest is still best."

"Thank you, Dr. Lam," Jonas said.

"I'll have General Landry send someone up to help you with the other wheelchair and your suitcases. All set then?" She looked at both smiling gentlemen standing in front of her and shook hands with each. "Off you go."

She turned and left the room.

Jonas helped Daniel get dressed, making certain that the waistband of his briefs did not interfere with his stomach wound. He left the waistband of his slacks unbuttoned as well. The nurse arrived with their supplies and, as Jonas was tying Daniel's shoes, Sergeant Siler arrived to help them move their things to Daniel's Jeep. Siler loaded the two boxes and one of the suitcases onto the waterproof wheelchair.

With Daniel comfortably seated and the second suitcase placed upon the arms of the wheelchair and held securely by Daniel, the small caravan set out.

It was almost 2 PM before Jonas was driving away from Cheyenne Mountain. They made the ride mostly in silence as Daniel simply leaned back into the seat and watched the world go by. As they approached their house, they saw Mrs. McCreary's car parked behind Jonas' vehicle. Jonas pulled the Jeep into the empty space beside his car and shut it off. He jumped out and circled the Jeep to help Daniel. "Do you want to ride or walk?"

"I want to walk," Daniel replied.

Jonas nodded and said, "I'll come back for the chairs and the other things."

As they walked together toward the front door, with Jonas offering his solid support, Mrs McCreary opened the door to greet them. She approached Daniel. "I don't want to hurt you with a hug, but can you at least get that face of yours down here so I can kiss it?"

Daniel smiled broadly. He had certainly missed his little caretaker. He placed his hands on her arms and she grabbed his arms in her hands as Daniel bent over slightly. After a kiss on each cheek, she said, "Welcome home, Daniel. I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too." Daniel's smile sparkled in the afternoon sunlight.

"Now, come," Mrs. McCreary said anxiously. "I've got coffee and your favourite cake waiting for you." To Jonas, she asked, "He can have cake, can't he?"

"He can have anything he wants."

"Then, let's go eat." She rushed back to the door, holding the weather door open for them, her hand on the knob of the wooden door. When Daniel and Jonas joined her, she pushed the wooden door open and stepped back.

"What the Hell?" Daniel said.

To Be Continued​

 

[gsdx]

Thanks, Auto. Just a few more to come. I promise.

 

[harry113]

Great Neil, Thanks,
Whatever is awaiting them in the house???
Another very sensitively written chapter
Awaiting the next one with bated breath !!!!
Please don't keep us waiting too long.
Harry XX

 

[gsdx]

Chapter 27
FRIENDS & FAMILY​

"Surprise!!"

As Daniel and Jonas stepped across the threshold and entered their home, they were greeted with a boisterous, if amateurish, rendition of ‘For He's a Jolly Good Fellow' from the small band of friends gathered in front of them. On the opposite wall, just to the right of the kitchen door, hung a large, cloth banner colourfully imprinted with ‘Welcome Home, Daniel' in great, freehand letters.

Behind them, Mrs. McCreary closed the front door and moved swiftly to stand beside Colonel Cameron Mitchell, who stood under the banner near the kitchen door. To Mitchell's right (his left) were Teal'c, Cassandra Fraiser, General George Hammond, Colonel Samantha Carter, and General Jack O'Neill. Dr. Lam stood at the end. Everyone was dressed casually.

Jonas, who still had his arm around Daniel's back to give him support, pulled him closer. Huge smiles broke out on both their faces.

The song ended finally and the group of friends burst into a hearty cheer, supplemented by whistles from both Jack O'Neill and Cameron Mitchell. The cheers and applause faded away as General Hammond held up his hand, bringing the cheers to an end. "Welcome home, Dr. Jackson," he said, his face bright with a large smile.

Daniel turned to Jonas. "Did you know about this?"

"No," Jonas answered honestly. He led Daniel to the sofa and gently lowered him into the cushions as their friends lined up to greet them.

Cassandra approached first. She bent down, and gave Daniel a gentle hug and a huge kiss on the cheek. "Hi, Daniel."

"It's so good to see you. When did you get into town?" Daniel asked her.

"This morning," Cassie responded. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. Sorry I couldn't get in to see you in the infirmary. I was in the middle of exams."

"That's okay. I'm glad you're here," he said and kissed her cheek.

"How's college, Cassandra?" Jonas asked.

An exaggerated look of ennui swept over Cassie's face. "Boring."

"You didn't sound bored when you were telling me about Tom." Sam was standing in line behind Cassandra.

Cassie turned, her cheeks and ears turning bright red. "Shut up," she said with an embarrassed smile.

"Come on, Cassie," Sam prodded with a Cheshire Cat grin. "You showed me his pictures. He's pretty cute."

"Shut up!"

"So, when's the wedding?" Daniel asked, grinning widely.

"Daniel! Oomph!" Cassandra balled her hands into fists and jerked herself rigid in mock frustration. Her humiliation was complete. "I'll talk to Jonas. He doesn't tease me." She sat in Jonas' lap, wrapped her arms around him, and gave him a huge hug and kiss. "It's good to see you again, Jonas."

"It's good to see you, too, Cassie. We've missed you."

"When Sam told me you broke up a few months ago, I knew it wouldn't last long. Nothing can keep you two apart. I know these things."

Jonas returned her kiss and hugged her. "You are such a precious young lady, Cassandra Fraiser."

"Thank you, Jonas Quinn." She stood, circled the sofa, and went back to stand under the banner.

"So, Sam," Daniel said slyly. "Have a nice time on Dakara?" He realized the entire mission had been a ruse and they had returned shortly after they had left.

Sam winked. "Gotcha." She kissed his cheeks. "You know, it would have been a lot easier if you didn't insist on seeing us off on all our missions. Colonel Mitchell and Teal'c almost walked in on you in the locker room when we came back."

"Sorry," Daniel apologized. "This was your idea, wasn't it?"

"Yup. Mrs. McCreary and Colonel Mitchell helped a lot, though." With a glance at Jonas, she said, "I got the idea when you wanted to do the shopping. That's why I insisted on doing it."

"Thanks, Sam. This is all so wonderful." Looking around at everything, Jonas added, "I don't know how you slipped this past me. I had no idea."

"It wasn't easy. We were hoping that you'd be too concerned with Daniel that you wouldn't notice." She gave Jonas a kiss on the cheek before turning to Daniel to give him another one. "Welcome home, Daniel."

"Thanks for everything, Sam." As Sam began to stand up straight, Daniel caught her hands in his. "I still cherish you."

Sam gave him one of her embarrassed ‘Sam' smiles and squeezed his hands, then pulled them away and moved around to stand beside Cassandra.

Mrs. McCreary was next in line. She wiggled her way between both Jonas and Daniel and sat down. She took Daniel's hand in hers and placed her other hand on top. "When you're ready and feeling up to it, I want you to tell me all about the Stargate and those aliens and your being. . ." Looking at Jonas, she asked, "What was he again?"

"Ascended."

"Yes," she continued. "I want to hear all about you being Ascended."

Daniel could only stare at her, stunned. He looked up at Jonas.

"She knows, Daniel," Jonas said quietly. "Jack brought her in to see you before you woke up. We told her everything. Oh! I have something I think I can show you, Mrs. McCreary. Cameron? Could you help me for a minute?" Jonas walked to the front door and out. Cameron Mitchell followed close behind.

"It's good to have you home again, Daniel," Mrs. McCreary said as she patted the back of his hand. "You don't mind if I sit here awhile, do you? I'm too old to stand around being polite."

Daniel smiled broadly. "I don't mind, but Jonas might think. . . he's got competition."

Mrs. McCreary sat there staring at him for a few moments and suddenly burst out in a robust, infectious laugh which set the whole room tittering. "Me and you!? My dear boy, if you thought getting shot was hazardous. . . !" she shouted and laughed even harder.

Daniel laughed and winced as pain shot through his stomach. He bowed his head, hiding his face with his hand as he clenched his teeth. "Ow," he said. "Please don't make me laugh." The pain eased and, when he raised his head again, he was smiling, but his eyes were moist and the wrinkled brow reflected the pain he felt.

Mrs. McCreary put an apologetic hand on his arm and patted it. "Sorry," she said.

The group was still laughing when Jonas and Mitchell returned with the two wheelchairs and the suitcases they had brought in from the Jeep. Mitchell went out for another load as Jonas opened one of the cases and pulled out one of his sketch pads. As the laughter died down, he walked toward the two Generals. "Sounds like we missed some fun."

Jack O'Neill responded. "Daniel was afraid you'd think he was having an affair with your housekeeper if she sat beside him."

Jonas' comeback was immediate. "I thought she had the hots for you, Jack." Again, the room burst into another bout of laughter.

Jonas smiled to himself as he carefully opened the sketch pad and found the desired page. He turned so Generals Hammond and O'Neill could see. It was a charcoal sketch of the Stargate. He lifted the page and showed them the colour sketch of the working Stargate and the original SG-1 team standing in front of it. "Can I show her these?"

General Hammond glanced at Jack. "I assume she's signed all the non-disclosure papers?"

"Yes, Sir, she has."

Hammond looked back at Jonas and nodded. "Go ahead, Son."

"Thank you, Sir."

Dr. Lam was talking to Daniel as Jonas returned to sit beside Mrs. McCreary. The Doctor whispered something in his ear and Daniel nodded slightly. She placed her hand on his stomach and whispered again. Daniel shook his head ‘no'.

"Is anything wrong, Doctor?" Jonas asked.

"He's fine," the Doctor assured him.

Jonas nodded, but he would keep a keen, quiet eye on his lover. "This is the Stargate." Mrs. McCreary studied the sketch, then Jonas flipped the page to show her the colour sketch.

"Oh, my," Mrs. McCreary gasped. "It's beautiful! And this takes you to other planets?"

"Yes, it does. You just walk into it and off you go." Jonas looked toward Cassandra and beckoned her with his finger. "You've met Cassandra?" he asked Mrs. McCreary.

"Of course," she replied.

"Cassandra is another person Daniel helped rescue," Jonas explained. "When she was twelve, a Goa'uld killed her parents and all the people on her planet."

Mrs. McCreary grasped Cassie's hand. "Oh, you poor dear. Why would they do that?"

"To kill us," Daniel said. "The Goa'uld planted a bomb. . . in her which would destroy. . . the entire mountain. . . and everything around it. They killed her people. . . and used her as a pawn."

Mrs. McCreary stood up and pulled Cassandra into a warm, tender hug. Cassandra welcomed the hug. It made her feel less alone.

"She was adopted by Dr. Fraiser, who worked for the SGC," Jonas added. "Janet was killed in action just a few months after I moved in with Daniel."

Mrs. McCreary tenderly ran her hand through Cassandra's long, blonde hair. Tears were in her eyes. "You poor, poor dear. You're all alone now, aren't you?"

Cassandra managed a smile. "I still have Sam and my other friends here."

"Well, young lady," Mrs. McCreary said matter-of-factly, "now you have a grandmother, too. Now, you come with me and tell me all about it." She led Cassie to the loveseat and they sat side-by-side.

Dr. Lam faced Jonas. "Keep your eye on Dr. Jackson," she advised. "He's okay, but this is a lot of excitement for him and he looks tired."

"I will."

As Teal'c stepped forward to greet them, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Jonas said. He walked to the door and opened it. "General Landry!" he said with undisguised surprise. "When I didn't see you here, I didn't think you were coming."

"I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it, Mr. Quinn. I'm sorry I'm late." He glanced somewhat nervously over Jonas' shoulder into the room.

Jonas noticed his ill ease and stepped aside as he held open the door. "Please, come on in."

"Actually, that wasn't exactly true, Mr. Quinn," the General added quietly. "Colonel Carter invited me, but I wasn't sure I would be welcome."

"You are always welcome in our home, General. You did only what you thought was best."

General Landry shook his head. "I don't think I could be quite so forgiving as you if I were in your shoes, Mr. Quinn."

"Dwelling on the past can only interfere with the future, General. Please, come in and make yourself at home."

General Landry turned and waved to the driver who had brought him. The car drove away. He and joined the other men who were now standing around Daniel Jackson. Jonas closed the door and leaned his back against it, allowing Daniel time to be with his friends. Daniel looked happier than he had in many weeks, and that made Jonas feel all warm inside. After a time, he walked back to join the others.

* * * * *

Jack O'Neill stepped back from the group and clapped his hands together. "Folks?" he said over the din. "Can I have your attention, please?" The room fell silent and all eyes turned to him. "Thank you," he said. "Two years ago, four of us in this room, along with one other dear friend who is no-longer with us, were privileged enough to be allowed to witness an old Kelownan tradition in which Daniel and Jonas performed a ceremony declaring their commitments to each other." Looking at his two friends, he added, "Today, I think we should start a new Earth tradition for them and allow Daniel and Jonas the opportunity to renew that commitment."

Teal'c and Colonel Mitchell disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a small table covered in a white tablecloth which hid the contents beneath. They set the table beneath the banner and stepped back. Jack carefully removed the cloth. Set in a semicircle at the front of the table were five small, gold candle stands upon which sat five identical candles. In front of the second candle from the left stood a small photograph of Dr. Janet Frasier. Behind the arc of candles stood a larger stand and candle and, on either side, were Daniel's and Jonas' candles.

Daniel impulsively reached out for Jonas who took his hand in a firm grasp. He glanced at him and Jonas nodded. Jonas helped Daniel to his feet. "Can you stand or do you want a chair?" he asked in a whisper.

"For this, I'll stand," Daniel replied.

Jonas nodded again and guided Daniel to the right side of the table. Behind each of their candles was a box of wooden matches. The setting had been put into place. It was up to them to improvise the rest. "We'll light our own candles first, and then the big one," Jonas whispered. "Just follow my lead." Daniel nodded. Jonas circled the table to take his place opposite Daniel. Together, they retrieved a single match, struck it against the side of the box, and lit their candles. They blew out their matches and set them aside before picking up the burning candles.

"These candles represent our lives," Jonas said aloud. "Separately, they can light a room. Together, they can light an entire world." As one, they moved the flames of their candles into the wick of the large, ceremonial candle. The flame was bright and warm, even in the afternoon sunlight. They set the candles back on their stands and Daniel placed his hands palm-down upon the table and leaned against it. His head bowed slightly.

Jonas swiftly joined Daniel on his side of the table, putting his right arm around hiss waist. He could feel Daniel quivering. "Daniel?" he whispered.

Daniel met Jonas' concerned gaze. "I'm okay. I just felt a bit dizzy," he whispered.

"We can stop."

"No. Just stay with me."

Jonas smiled encouragingly, then looked to his left at the group of friends gathered there. "I'm afraid we're going to have to give you the Reader's Digest version."

"I'm sure no-one would mind, Son," General Hammond said, his deep voice sounding soft and reassuring.

Jonas nodded as he revised his plan once again. "General Hammond, Jack, Sam, Cassie, Teal'c. Would you please pick up your candles and stand on the other side of the table?" They did so, and, moments later, their five friends were facing them. Jonas reached out his left hand, placing it on the side of the large candle. Daniel automatically did the same with his right hand. "Don't lift," Jonas whispered to him.

His attention turned to the small group of friends, his eyes moving from one person to the next. Cassandra appeared to be particularly excited at the thought of being included in the ceremony as her Mother's representative.

Jonas smiled. "This flame represents our lives. We wish to share it with you." One by one, each candle was lit from the sparkling flame of the ceremonial candle and their five friends stood there, cradling their burning candles in their hands. "Could you go back and stand in front of the others, please?"

As the group walked quietly back to their place, Jonas led Daniel to the front of the table. "Do you want a chair?" he whispered. Daniel shook his head ‘no'. He was determined to do this.

Jonas stepped in front of Daniel and grasped his hands. Their own candles burned brightly on one side. Their friends' candles burned brightly on the other.

In a quiet voice, Jonas began to speak. "When you took that blindfold off me that night, I opened my eyes and I looked into the face of an angel. You are my angel, Daniel. You watch over me and you keep me safe. Everything you do is for me, and I love you so much for that. I've been truly frightened only twice in my whole life. The first time was on Kelowna when you smashed through that window. The second time was when you rescued me - when you said ‘goodbye' to me and you closed your eyes. I was so frightened, Daniel. I didn't want to watch you die. I never want to feel that way again."

He paused a moment to wipe away a tear which was rolling down Daniel's left cheek. "Are you okay?" he whispered. Daniel nodded. Jonas gripped Daniel's hands more tightly and continued. "I left you because I loved you. The first time was out of my own selfishness. The second time was because I needed to protect you for a change. I came back both times because I couldn't stay away - because I love you - and I'll go on loving you forever." He paused. "I'm here now, Daniel. I'm home, and I'll never go away again. I don't ever want you to be alone again. I'll be your best friend and I'll be your lover. I'll take care of you and feed you and love you and grow old with you. And, when the time comes, I want to die with you. You are still the best person I know, and I am the luckiest person alive to have been given the chance to fall in love with you."

Jonas released Daniel's hand once more and reached into the top of his shirt to pull out the heart-shaped medallion dangling from its gold chain. He held it out to Daniel who wrapped it in his fist. Jonas closed his hand around Daniel's before finishing his little speech. "All that I have and all that I am, I give to you again."

Daniel took the time to wipe away another tear from his cheek. He inhaled deeply, winced, and grunted, his body sagging as he did so. He clenched his eyes shut, working through the sudden pain in his lung, as Jonas reached to support him by the arms. Teal'c immediately stepped forward and placed a strong, supporting arm around his friend's waist.

Daniel composed himself and managed to get his breathing under control. "I'm okay," he said softly, then pulled himself up straight. Teal'c moved his arm away, but remained standing where he was with his hand on Daniel's back, ever vigilant and ready.

Taking Jonas hands in his own, Daniel began his speech. His sentences were broken again by the short breaths he now had to take. "I remember saying. . . goodbye to you, Jonas. I don't remember. . . closing my eyes. I just remember. . . you going away from me. I tried to find you. . . for a long time. I searched and. . . I waited, but. . . you didn't come. It was so dark and. . . I was so alone. I wanted to die but. . . I knew I couldn't. I had to find you. I knew you still. . . needed me." There was a long, empty pause. "And then I. . . heard you calling me. . . and I followed your voice. You showed me. . . the way back." Daniel smiled his ‘Daniel' smile. "You are everything. . . to me, Jonas. Without you, I. . . don't have anything. Two years ago, I promised you. . . that I would protect you. . . and take care of you. . . and love you and hold you. . . and keep you safe. I remember those words. . . and I am saying them to you again."

Daniel released Jonas' hands and placed them gently on the sides of Jonas' head. He leaned forward until their foreheads met each other. His eyes flitted back and forth as he looked into the depths of the life and love he saw in Jonas' eyes. His voice was almost a whisper. "I love you. . . so much, Jonas Quinn. I love you. . . more than life itself. All that I have and. . . all that I am, I give to you. Again and forever."

"I love you, too, Daniel."

And then they kissed. In their minds, they were alone.

When the kiss finally ended, Cassandra began clapping her hands. In moments the room burst into applause. As they stood there, looking into each other's eyes, Jonas noticed a sudden look of desperation flood Daniel's face. Daniel's hands began to shake against his cheeks and his breath came in shallow pants. He quickly wrapped his arm securely around Daniel's waist, holding him upright. Teal'c immediately set his candle on the table and grabbed Daniel's shoulders in a gentle, but firm, grasp. Jonas found Mitchell in the group. "Cameron?" he said.

The applause stopped.

Mitchell had been prepared. The first time Daniel faltered, he had quietly brought the wheelchair forward and stood ready. "Excuse me," he said and rushed the chair through the small group to his waiting friends. They gently settled Daniel into it.

"I'm just feeling dizzy," Daniel said, obviously embarrassed.

Jonas ignored him. "Excuse us, please," he said and rushed Daniel into the bedroom. Dr. Lam followed. As the Doctor closed the door behind them and flipped on the light switch, Jonas knelt down and carefully lifted the front of Daniel's sweater and shirt. By the time Dr. Lam reached him, Jonas was holding the shirt with one hand and gently lifting the bandage on Daniel's stomach. "It looks okay," he said.

"I told you," Daniel reiterated. "I'm feeling dizzy. That's all."

"Daniel, your whole body's shaking!" Jonas objected.

"He's tired, Mr. Quinn. It's been a busy day for him." To Dr. Jackson, she asked, "Have you had a nap today?"

Daniel shook his head. "I don't want. . . to sleep."

Dr. Lam did a quick examination. "You need rest, Dr. Jackson. You need to lie down."

"Can I rest. . . on the sofa?"

"In here or out there," the Doctor replied. "It doesn't matter. As long as you're lying down."

Daniel looked down at Jonas, who was replacing the bandage. "I want to be. . . out there, Jonas."

Jonas relented. "Okay, but I'm getting you into something more comfortable first. These clothes are digging into you."

"Jonas!" Daniel objected.

"It's either pyjamas and bathrobe or you stay in here all alone."

"You have a. . . rotten bedside manner."

Jonas stood up and gave Daniel a quick kiss. "Only because I love you." He went to get Daniel's sky-blue bathrobe from the closet.

"I'll wait with the others," the Doctor said politely.

"Could you ask Cameron to bring in the suitcases, please?"

Dr. Lam nodded and left the bedroom. She relayed Jonas' message to the Colonel and assured everyone that Daniel was just tired. "He'll be coming back out here as soon as he changes, but he'll need to lie down on the big sofa. Sorry, Sirs." Generals O'Neill, Hammond, and Landry rose to their feet as Teal'c and Sam went into the kitchen and dining room to retrieve some chairs.

Mitchell grabbed up the two suitcases and carried them to the bedroom door, knocking politely and entering when summoned. He pushed the door closed with his backside and set the cases on the bed. Jonas had already removed Daniel's sweater and shirt and was removing his shoes and socks. "Do you need any help?"

"No," Daniel said, too quickly.

"Yes," Jonas said. "Could you stick around? He needs help standing up so I can get these pants off him."

"Jonas!" Daniel whined.

"Relax, Jackson," Mitchell said nonchalantly. "I've seen it all before."

Daniel's face distorted into a confused, questioning grimace. "No, you haven't!"

"Yes, I have."

"No, you haven't!"

"Yes, I have!"

"Nuh uh!"

"Yuh huh!"

"Nuh uh!"

"Yuh huh!"

"When?"

"That night of your wine blitz. You were hanging out of your shorts when I got there. I had to tuck you back. . ." Mitchell stopped suddenly. "Oh, yeah. I wasn't going to tell you that. I thought it would embarrass you."

"Huh? Hnnn, yeah!"

"Yeah? Well, you grabbed my nuts!"

"I was drunk!"

"Hey!" Jonas' hushed voice was angry and ominous. "Do either of you care that our friends are right outside that door?" Two pairs of pale-blue eyes flew to the door as Jonas rose to his feet. "Now, if you guys want to butt heads, take it outside! Otherwise, stuff your egos back in your pants and help me out here!" The room fell deathly silent except for the murmur of voices from the livingroom beyond the bedroom door. "That's better. Now, Daniel. Teal'c and I had to hold you up a few minutes ago. I can't hold you up and get you dressed at the same time, and you can't even lift yourself out of this chair. I need Cameron's help if you want to go back out there."

Daniel waded through Jonas' deep, penetrating eyes for a moment before turning his gaze downward. His hands still lay in his lap. They were still quivering. Then he nodded. "I'm sorry," he apologized.

Mitchell repeated the sentiment and placed his hand on Daniel's shoulder, giving it a friendly, humbled shake. "I promise I won't look, Jackson."

Outside the bedroom, the three Generals were milling around and chatting with each other and with Dr. Lam and Teal'c, who stood close by. General Landry had removed his tie and had undone the top button of his shirt. Sam and Cassandra were busy in the kitchen with Mrs. McCreary, setting up all the food and refreshments on the kitchen table and counters. They had heard loud voices coming through the bedroom door, but, if anyone heard what had been said, they did not mention it.

Eventually, the door opened and Colonel Mitchell emerged carrying three pillows from the bed which he piled up on one end of the longer sofa facing the banner. Jonas emerged behind him, pushing the wheelchair. Daniel was now dressed in slippers, silver pyjama bottoms, and his dark blue bathrobe. Refusing both Teal'c's and Cameron's help, Jonas raised Daniel from the wheelchair and settled him comfortably on the sofa where he could lay back, propped against the pillows in a semi-sitting position and look at the ceremonial candles burning brightly in front of him. All the small candles had been returned to their pedestals.

As Jonas retrieved a chair in order to sit near Daniel, the young Doctor was apologizing to his guests for the trouble he had caused and for interrupting the Ceremony. Jonas sat and Daniel impulsively reached for his hand. "Sit beside me?" he asked softly.

Jonas stood again, moved the chair to the end of the sofa, and sat on the edge of the sofa beside Daniel, his right hand holding Daniel's left.

General Landry smiled down at Daniel. "Feeling better now?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir," Daniel replied. "Thank you."

The General pulled his tie out of his pocket and held it out. "Want to borrow this? It clashes with your bathrobe, but it's a bit more formal."

Daniel chuckled, then quickly clutched at his stomach. "Ow!" he said, but he was still giggling.

Landry tucked the tie back in his pocket. "I think I speak for everyone, Dr. Jackson," he said, "when I say that I am deeply honoured to have been witness to your ceremony. If this shortened version is any indication, the full ceremony must have been spectacular."

"It was, Hank." This was from General Hammond.

Sam arrived with a tray of champagne. Cassandra followed with glasses of Ginger Ale for both herself and Teal'c. Mrs. McCreary brought in the bottle and set it on an end table. Jonas accepted two glasses of champagne.

With glasses in hand, the group of friends gathered around them and General Jack O'Neill stepped forward to stand in front. "We drew straws to see who would offer the toast," Jack said. "I lost."

Daniel smile at the sudden memory and snickered. "Good one, Jack."

Jack grinned, then bent down to muss with Daniel's hair. "Space Monkey," he said quietly. Jack straightened himself and turned serious. "Actually, General Landry was asked to give the toast, but he deferred to General Hammond who, in turn, handed over the responsibility because I've known you longer than anyone else in this room. It's an honour I eagerly accepted. From the day I met you, Daniel, you've been a royal pain in the ass. You were always running off half- cocked and jumping in with both feet before you looked where you were going. You were always sticking your nose into other people's business where I didn't think it belonged. You'd did all those things without thinking and you often got yourself and the rest of us into a lot of trouble because of it, and then it was up to us to get you out of it. And that is exactly what I grew to admire most in you.

"Everything you did was for one single reason, and that was your belief in humanity. People are your passion, Daniel. No matter who they are or what they believe, they have the right to life, and you stand up for them to protect that right. And that dedication didn't extend only to humans. You defended Reese and tried to protect her even when her Replicators were tearing us apart. You stood up for Lotan and convinced him to join the Enkarans, and you wouldn't leave it alone until we found a way to help those funny little plant guys. Heck, Daniel, you even became friends with an Unas and risked your life to rescue him from the slave traders, and now Chaka is our friend, too. I don't think you know the effect you have on people, Daniel. I don't think you even know how many lives you've touched and changed.

"I know only one other person with as much drive and dedication as you, Danny Boy, and that's Jonas." Jack turned his attention to Jonas and continued. "Jonas, you gave up everything on Kelowna to defend Daniel when your people blamed him for their own stupidity, and, because of it, you were branded a traitor and banished from your own home. When you came here to live with us and you tried to weasel your way into SG-1, I thought you were trying to replace Daniel. I took you into my team only because I didn't want the Russian, but it wasn't until you risked your own life to save me, Carter, and Teal'c with that amazing swim you made at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean that I realized you weren't trying to replace Daniel. You were only trying to carry on for him and do exactly what he would have done. You were as willing to sacrifice yourself for us as Daniel was, and still is. You are as dedicated to people as he is, Jonas, and Earth is a better planet because you're on it."

Jack paused a moment. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like you to join me in a toast to Dr. Daniel Jackson and to Mr. Jonas Quinn - two of the best people and two of the best friends you are ever likely to meet." Jack O'Neill raised his glass and eight other glasses raised as well. The toast was drank.

With the toast finished, Jonas held out the glass of champagne he held in his right hand. Daniel put one hand on the glass, but placed his other hand over Jonas' hand, subtly indicating that he needed help. Jonas nodded almost imperceptibly.

Daniel looked at the friends gathered around him. "I lost my family when. . . I was eight years old. Jonas never knew his family. My new family started. . . ten years ago with Jack. I thought I was. . . happy on Abydos. I was content. I wasn't happy. Now I am. I have all of you. But mostly, I have Jonas. All of you mean. . . so much to me. I love you guys."

With a quick glance from Daniel, Jonas took over. "Daniel was right. I never had a family until I came here. I have one now, and it feels pretty darned good! You are always welcome in our home."

Together, he and Daniel raised their glasses to their friends in toast. As Jonas sipped his champagne, he aided Daniel, holding the glass steady for him. With the toasts finished, Jonas leaned down to give Daniel a kiss.

Mrs. McCreary announced that lunch was served in the kitchen and set off for the second guest room at the end of the hall to get the stand of TV trays. She set them up and placed one beside the sofa while Jonas was collecting lunch for both himself and Daniel. She smoothed out Daniel's hair with gentle strokes of her hand and said quietly, "You be careful out there, you hear me?"

Daniel smiled and nodded, and Mrs. McCreary kissed his forehead.

Jonas soon returned with two plates of food which he set on the TV tray. Daniel ate what he could handle himself and Jonas fed him what he couldn't handle easily. Conversation continued and everyone made another round to chat with both Daniel and Jonas.

By seven o'clock, when the cars arrived to drive everyone where they needed to go, Mrs. McCreary and Cassandra had cleaned up the kitchen and washed the dishes. There was very little food left. Cassie now called Mrs. McCreary ‘Grandma'. It had been a long time since she had called anyone that. Jonas had retrieved a box of candle gel-pack refills for the ceremonial candles from the basement and those who wanted them took what they needed. Sam had blown out the candles and packed them into their boxes before handing them back to their owners. Mitchell offered to stay behind and help Jonas, but the offer was declined. Jonas could manage on his own now.

The friends filed past one final time, offering best wishes to Daniel and offers of assistance to Jonas, and then they were gone. Jonas closed the door, locked it, and set the alarm, then made certain all the lights were turned off. He sat on the edge of the sofa once again and leaned down for a long and very passionate kiss. Daniel's arm came around his back and held him prisoner.

It seemed hours later before Daniel released him and he sat back up again. "How are you doing?"

"Very tired," Daniel replied wearily.

"Want to go to bed?"

"Are you coming to bed, too?"

Jonas smiled. "You're not going anywhere without me."

"Then, let's go to bed."

With bathroom duties complete and the house shut down for the night, Jonas, now naked, pulled back the blankets and helped an equally naked Daniel into bed. Daniel eased back into the pillows with a heavy sigh. He spread his left arm and Jonas carefully settled himself into it. His body pressed into Daniel's body, his arm lying lovingly upon Daniel's chest. Their bodies fit together as if they had been made to do so and Daniel hugged Jonas close to him.

Following a final goodnight kiss, sleep came swiftly to both of them.

To Be Continued​

 

[gsdx]

Chapter 28
A NEW DAY BEGINS​

Daniel awoke before Jonas did, much to his surprise. He still felt exhausted, but he had slept better that night than he had in a long time. Not only did he have the feeling of his own bed beneath him and the familiar walls around him, he also had Jonas' delightful and exciting scent in his nostrils and the feeling of his naked body against his own.

He could feel Jonas' erection pressing against his hip and he longed to touch it - to hold it and to make love to it. He knew it would still be weeks before he, himself, would enjoy such pleasures - if he ever felt them again - but Jonas shouldn't have to wait. Jonas had been right when he had said that Daniel might fear his running to Cameron. There was no denying that Cameron Mitchell was an extremely handsome man who exuded sex and manliness. It had taken Daniel a long time to finally admit to himself that he could look at another man in such a way. Jonas had opened him to a world of possibilities.

As he thought back on his life, so many things had happened that he could never have anticipated, the least of which was the Stargate program. Marriage had never been a consideration until Sha're, and that was an accident. She had been a gift. Ancient Egyptian was a language he could read, but he had never heard it spoken. It was only after he had learned how to speak it that he learned that he was actually married to Sha're. He cared for her, but he cared for all the Abydonians as well. It took some time for him to fall in love with her. There had been Sarah, of course, but Sarah had wanted more, and Daniel wasn't willing to give it. He was not a family man.

Sex with Sha're was never a priority, but it became an interesting diversion - a way to pass time on Abydos where a sandstorm was something to look forward to. There were others later on, of course, but Daniel didn't intentionally seek their company. They all seemed to find him. In his previous thirty years of life, sex simply wasn't something that was important to him.

Until Jonas.

Jonas Quinn was like a spell cast over him. There was something about him which made Daniel rethink his entire life. With Jonas, he suddenly realized how lonely and empty his life had been. Sure, he had fallen in love before, but, with Jonas, he had fallen in love even before he realized it. He couldn't explain it. He never would be able to. It had simply happened. And, when it did, his life began all over again, and he was looking at it differently. He had discovered how exciting and fulfilling being in love with someone could be. Sex still wasn't a priority, but it was now something he could look forward to and enjoy. Jonas had shown him that, and now he had also opened his mind to other possibilities as well.

It had shocked him the first time Daniel saw Cameron in the locker room and thought of him as ‘sexy'. Sure, he had often considered other men as handsome, but, with Cameron, it was different. Naked, he was undeniably sexual. Cameron was the first man other than Jonas to cause a reaction in Daniel. It had startled him and even frightened him, especially since Jonas was so far away from him at the time. It wasn't love, by any means. It was simply desire. He never seriously considered pursuing a sexual relationship with Cameron, yet he couldn't deny that such an encounter with him would be unwelcome.

Jonas had mentioned to him recently that Cameron was a ‘threat' to them. He said that Cameron was just a ‘fantasy'. He had been afraid to tell Jonas that Cameron was a fantasy to him as well. He sensed that Jonas was still feeling guilty over that admission and he would have to correct that soon. Perhaps today.

He turned his head on the pillow and gently pressed his face into Jonas' hair. It felt remarkably soft against his skin and caught itself easily in the stubble on his cheeks and chin. He breathed in and revelled in his scent and he kissed his hair so he could taste him.

Jonas squirmed slightly and came awake. He tilted his head back and looked into the pale eyes of his lover and leaned into a ‘good morning' kiss.

"That tastes better," Daniel said, smiling.

Jonas smiled back, the dimples digging deeply into his cheeks. "How are you feeling?"

"Alive," Daniel replied. "In love. I have to pee real bad."

"Boy," Jonas announced with a grin as he rolled out of bed, "you really know how to set a mood, don't you?"

Daniel nodded at the shaft of solid flesh sprouting out from Jonas' groin. "It hasn't done anything to hurt yours." He slid himself gingerly to the side of the bed. "Forget the chair. I can walk."

Jonas helped him from the bed and, with a firm arm wrapped around his back, led Daniel to the toilet. Daniel stood as he peed, still supported by Jonas. It felt good to stand up for a change. Jonas had always made him sit down. Jonas' penis had softened enough that he could go himself and two streams splashed into the toilet bowl at the same time.

Daniel flushed and they stepped to the sink. Daniel washed his hands, then washed Jonas' right hand. He turned off the faucet, still holding the hand, then turned to face Jonas. He raised the hand to his lips and kissed it. He held it warmly to his chest. "How many times can I tell you. . . that I love you before. . . you get sick of hearing it?"

"You can't say it too many times."

"I love you so much, Jonas. I can't tell you how much."

Jonas pressed his forehead against Daniel's. "You don't have to tell me. You show me every minute of the day." And then they kissed.

* * * * *

Daniel was back in bed. He had decided to spend the day there. The bedroom curtains were now open. Jonas, still naked, entered the bedroom, carrying a bed tray loaded with their breakfast. With a click, the legs of the tray dropped down and locked into place and Jonas set the tray over Daniel, who immediately reached for a slice of toast.

"I want to feed you," Jonas said.

"I can eat by myself." Daniel held up his hands. They were steady. "See?"

"I know. I want to do it."

Daniel smiled. "You'll spoil me, you know."

Jonas smoothed Daniel's hair and placed the palm of his hand against Daniel's warm cheek. "This is the first day I can take care of you all by myself. No metal walls. No nurses. No doctors. No friends. Just me and you. Nothing could make me happier than to do that."

Daniel couldn't resist the deep blue sparkling in Jonas' eyes. They hypnotized him and he melted to their will. He nodded. "I think I like you spoiling me."

Jonas picked up the slice of toast and held it to Daniel, who took a healthy bite and chewed enthusiastically. Jonas took a bit. Breakfast continued in that way - one bite for Daniel, another for Jonas. When they finished, Jonas set the tray aside and retrieved their toothbrushes and the shaving utensils from the bathroom cabinet. Properly brushed and shaved, Daniel settled back into the pillows once more, staring up at Jonas who was staring down at him.

"You are so beautiful, Daniel Jackson."

"You're pretty cute yourself, Jonas Quinn." Suddenly, Daniel pouted. "You hurt me when you were. . . shaving me."

"I'm sorry," Jonas said, startled. "Where?"

Daniel smiled and pointed to his lips. Jonas smiled back and gave him a kiss. "It still hurts," Daniel said slyly.

Jonas lay down on the bed, rolling halfway onto Daniel. He pressed their lips together and stayed there until Daniel pushed him away with a gasp. "I hope that holds you long enough for me to do the dishes."

"I'll manage. Can I look at your sketch books?"

"They're in the livingroom. I'll get them." Jonas disappeared, returning momentarily with the box which still sat inside the front door. One sketch pad lay on top - the one Jonas had retrieved the day before. He set it near the pile of boxes which contained the rest of his things from his apartment. "I'll unpack all this stuff when I'm done. I'll rearrange my drawers, too."

"You're too organized, Jonas."

"I just like to know where everything is and I like them a certain way. I don't like creases in my underwear." He handed Daniel the sketch pads. "This one is the earliest, then this one, and this one is the latest. I'll be back soon." He picked up the food tray and disappeared out the door.

"You're very good," Daniel said when Jonas reentered the room. He had his glasses on. He patted the bed and Jonas propped himself up against the headboard beside Daniel. "How long have you been doing this?"

"Just after I moved out the first time. I started with the charcoal and moved on to the pastels a week or so later. I had lots of time to learn."

Daniel flipped to one of the full-body sketches of himself. "Has anyone else seen these?"

"Just Cameron. He picked them up for me."

"Oh, God!"

"Don't worry, Daniel. He won't say anything. You know, you should lighten up. You've got nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm not ashamed of it. I just don't like people. . . looking at it. Now, if I had a body. . . like yours. . ."

"Daniel, please." Jonas' eyes had a sad look in them. He gently took Daniel's glasses off him. "I hate it when you put yourself down like this. You don't see yourself the way others see you, and no-one sees you the way I do. You are a beautiful man, inside and out."

Daniel glanced down a the bandages. "I'm not so beautiful right now."

"Oh, I don't know," Jonas said as he tilted his head first one way, then the other. "A little lipstick. Maybe some eye shadow. Some mascara." he paused a moment. "On second thought, forget the lipstick. I want to taste you when I do this." His lips met Daniel's.

With his glasses on once more, Daniel turned his attention back to the sketch pad. He flipped to one of his profiles. "Could you do one like this. . . of yourself?"

"I could, but why?"

"I think they'd look good. . . on the wall somewhere."

"I'll do a few with both of us on the same sheet. How about that?"

"I'd like that." Daniel flipped to a sketch of Andrew. "Is this Andrew?"

"Yes."

"Cute kid."

"He's a sweetheart, Daniel. I wish you could meet him. His mother does the best she can, but it has to be tough on both of them. They live in a tiny, one-bedroom apartment and he shares a bedroom with his Mom." Jonas grasped Daniel's hand. "I babysat for him once. Most of his toys fit in a shoe box, Daniel. The poor kid had nothing. They didn't have anything to eat in the house. I bought a pizza for him. No-one should have to live like that."

Daniel kissed him.

"What was that for?"

"Because you're a sweetheart, too," Daniel said proudly. "You helped them out, didn't you?"

"How did you know?"

"What else could you do? Do they have a microwave?"

Jonas nodded. "A small one."

"Freezer?"

"Just the one in the fridge."

"Do they have room for one?"

"A small one, maybe," Jonas said. "You want to give them the frozen meals." It was a statement rather than a question.

"I don't think the others. . . would mind. I want you to take me. . . shopping tomorrow."

Jonas could feel the love he felt for Daniel flooding into his eyes. "I love you so much, Daniel Jackson." The kiss was very long and very passionate.

* * * * *

Jonas talked freely as he rearranged his clothes in the dresser and closet and unpacked all his belongings. Daniel could hear him speaking, but he didn't listen to the words. He was too busy looking at his lover. He loved watching Jonas work, especially when he was naked. Jonas had a such a powerful body, so different from his own, yet undeniably familiar, beautiful, and sexy. He was naturally well-built and he had all the right curves in all the right places. Whereas Daniel had to work out at the gym at the SGC in order to keep himself in shape, Jonas didn't have to do a thing. He still looked exactly the way he had the day Daniel had seen him naked for the first time.

Daniel looked down at his own body. He had lost so much of his tone since he'd been shot, and he knew it would take some serious workouts to get himself back into shape. He looked weak and flabby and another feeling of shame crept over him. He saw the bandages on his stomach and chest, and he twisted his head so he could see the fading wound on his left shoulder. His right hand reached back to feel the wound where the bullet had exited and then to the wound on his leg.

With a sudden bout of self-consciousness, he pulled the bed sheet over him.

"Jonas?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you still love me?"

If Jonas had not heard the seriousness in Daniel's voice, he would have thought it was a joke. He stopped unpacking and sat down on the side of the bed. "What do you mean?"

Daniel spread his arms and looked down his body. "Look at me. I'm forty years old. I can't even go to the bathroom. . . by myself. I get laid up for a few weeks. . . and my whole body goes to pot. My guts are mincemeat. I've got five new holes in me. How could you possibly love. . . something like this? I mean, what if I come out of this. . . covered with scars?"

Jonas took Daniel's hand and clasped it tightly. "Why are you doing this to yourself, Daniel? We just talked about this. Do you think any of it matters? I fell in love with you, not your body. I fell in love with what's in here. . ." (Jonas gently tapped Daniel's head, then his heart) "and in here. Your body was just an added bonus which I've come to love just as much as what's inside. Every one of those new holes in it is a testimony of your love for me. And if you end up with scars, I'll cherish each and every one of them, because they will remind me of what you did for me."

Daniel looked away, but Jonas caught his chin with his fingertips and turned the face toward him. "You're beautiful to me, Daniel. Just as beautiful as the first day I fell in love with you. Love isn't conditional. If it was me lying there instead of you, would you love me any less?"

"Of course not!" Daniel was astounded that Jonas would ask such a question.

"Then don't expect it of me."

"But. . . what if I can't. . . perform. . . anymore?"

Jonas pulled his hand away and nodded his head. A small smile split his lips. "So that's it. That's what everything has been about." He turned to the telephone, picked up the receiver, and punched some numbers.

To Be Continued​

 

[harry113]

Thanks Neil, another great chapter.
So very sensitively written.
I look forward to every episode so much
Harry

 

[gsdx]

Chapter 29
A NEW DAY ENDS​

Daniel watched as Jonas picked up the bedside telephone and began dialing. "What are you doing?" he asked.

Jonas ignored him. "Infirmary, please. It's Jonas Quinn." He waited for the call to be transferred. Then he said, "Dr. Lam, please. It's Jonas Quinn. . . . No, I'll wait. Thank you." He turned to Daniel. "She's off today. They're patching me through to her home."

"Jonas, don't."

Jonas pointed his index finger at Daniel, his eyebrows furled in warning. He waited almost three minutes before the Doctor came on the line. "Hi, Dr. Lam. It's Jonas. Sorry to interrupt your day off. I'm here with Daniel. May I put you on speaker? . . . Okay, thank you." Jonas pushed a button on the phone and hung up.

"What's the problem, Dr. Jackson," the Doctor asked.

Jonas answered with his own question. "Will Daniel be able to have sex again?"

"Of course," Dr. Lam said. "Why?"

"He's afraid he won't be able to perform again."

"With the injuries you suffered and the way you're still feeling, Dr. Jackson, it's not uncommon for you to feel that way. Have you had an erection since you were shot?"

Daniel scrunched his face in embarrassment and closed his eyes.

"I would say ‘no'," Jonas replied.

"That does not surprise me. It will happen, Dr. Jackson. When your body is ready, it will happen. Right now, you can't even laugh without serious pain, but that will be over soon. Just give it time. One morning, you'll wake up and you'll be ready. I guarantee it. Okay?"

"Okay," Daniel replied. "Thank you, Doctor."

"How is he feeling today, Mr. Quinn?"

"Except for trips to the bathroom, I'm keeping him in bed."

Good idea," Dr. Lam said. "Remember, plenty of rest. Phone me Saturday morning and I'll let you know what time to come in."

"I will," Jonas said. "Thank you."

"Any time. Bye."

"Goodbye." Jonas pushed the speaker button again and gave Daniel a quick kiss on the lips. "Love you," he said. "I've got to get the chicken in the oven. Will you miss me?"

"I miss you already."

"Call me if you need me." Jonas left the bedroom and, with that, the matter was closed.

* * * * *

Daniel had a small nap as Jonas cooked dinner. Now, awake again and propped up against the pillows, he watched as Jonas cut off a piece of roasted chicken breast and guided it to Daniel's mouth. He chewed slowly and let the delicious flavour spread throughout his entire body. It gave him tingles. He was in love with the best chef in the world. Jonas fed him a forkful of mashed potatoes and chicken gravy to follow.

"You're the best," Daniel said as he reached for a single spear of asparagus. He placed one end between his teeth and held it there. A small smile of remembrance crossed Jonas' lips as he leaned down and captured the other end between his own teeth. Together, they began to bite their way along the stalk until their lips met. Daniel's hand came up, grasping the back of Jonas' head and holding him in place. Their lips worked in tandem as they both sucked air through their noses. Their tongues played with each other and passed the asparagus back and forth between them. The moment was totally shared.

Their lips parted, but their foreheads remained in contact. Daniel's hand slid onto Jonas' cheek, his thumb softly stroking the smooth skin. They stared into each other's eyes as they chewed and swallowed, and then they kissed again.

* * * * *

Night was approaching. Jonas had checked the front door and alarm system, turned out all the lights and closed the curtains in their bedroom. A single bedside lamp offered the only illumination in the room.

Daniel, as usual, lay on his back with Jonas settled in beside him and resting his head on Daniel's left shoulder. Jonas' left leg was tossed casually over Daniel's own left leg and was resting between the two. His left arm lay on Daniel's chest, his index finger tenderly circling the nipple. He was softly humming Daniel's favourite tune - ‘Out of the Wind'.

"I want to take a shower," Daniel said after Jonas had finished the song.

"Sure," Jonas said, rolling off and onto his back. "The bandages are in the drawer here. You want me to move or do you just want to climb over?"

"I want you to come with me."

Jonas rolled onto his elbow. "Oh. So that's your game, is it? This morning, you were all gung-ho about being able to feed yourself, and now you're too helpless to let water fall on you. Why, Dr. Jackson! If I didn't know you better, I would think you were trying to seduce me."

"Is it working?"

"No." Jonas kissed him quickly, then sat up and retrieved two bandages from the small, bedside table. Soon, the bandages were replaced and he jumped out of bed and began to push the mesh wheelchair into the bathroom.

"Jonas? Could you light the candles?"

"Sure." With the chair in place in the stall and the shower spray set at the proper temperature, Jonas lit the candles and turned out the overhead lights. By the time he got back to the bedroom, Daniel was sitting on the side of the bed. Jonas sat beside him, slipped his head under Daniel's right arm and secured his other arm around his waist. "Ready?" With a nod from Daniel, he said, "Up we go." He pushed himself to his feet and Daniel came with him.

Daniel straightened himself and took a shallow breath. "Okay," he said. "I'm ready."

Jonas led him into the bathroom and into the shower, settling him into the wheelchair, before sliding the frosted glass door closed. The flickering candlelight danced around the room, sparkling off the glass and turning the shower spray into tiny diamonds which cascaded over them.

He stood beside Daniel, handed him a washcloth and bottle of shower gel, then picked up the shampoo as Daniel began washing himself. Squirting a generous portion into his hand, he proceeded to wash Daniel's hair. When Daniel was properly shampooed and rinsed, Jonas squirted another portion into his hand and began washing his own hair.

Daniel added more gel to the cloth, lathered it, and began scrubbing Jonas' chest.

Jonas chuckled lightly. "I can do that," he said.

"So can I," Daniel replied as he rubbed the cloth over Jonas' chest and stomach, and then lower. Pushing the chair back until it hit the wall, he reached his left arm and placed it on Jonas' right hip, guiding him around to stand in front of him. His left hand slid around to cradle the testicles, now hanging low in the heat of the shower. Placing the cloth against Jonas' abdomen, he squeezed the lather out of it, watching as it flowed down and over the penis displayed before him. He dropped the cloth to the floor and his hand moved down, the fingertips following the white foam. When he reached the tip, he pressed his hand flat and began the return journey back up until his fingers pressed into the curly hairs just above it. His fingers encircled the tube of flesh and he gently stroked down.

Despite his best efforts to distract himself, Jonas began to respond to Daniel's touch. Except for that one time with Corey, no-one had touched him like that - not even himself - since he had left home the last time. He couldn't stop the blood flowing into his cock and it began to thicken and grow longer.

"Daniel, what are you doing?"

"I think you know."

Jonas pushed Daniel's hands away. "No!" And then he saw the hurt in Daniel's eyes, even in the soft glow of the candlelight. He knelt down in front of him and placed his hand on Daniel's cheek. "I know what you're trying to do, Daniel, but I can wait for you."

Daniel placed his hand over Jonas' hand, holding it firmly. "I can't." He brought the palm to his lips and kissed it tenderly. "I can do this, Jonas. Please." Their gazes locked onto each other. The fine spray washed over them, dripping down their faces and bodies. Rivulets of white lather travelled their way to Jonas' shoulders and down his back and chest.

"Please, Jonas." Daniel's voice could barely be heard above the sound of the water splashing around them. "I need to do this. For both of us."

Jonas pulled his hand away. "You don't have to prove anything to me."

"I'm not trying to prove anything. I want to take care of you." He grasped Jonas' hands and locked his gaze. "The point is, Jonas, you shouldn't have to wait. You've done enough for me. It's my turn now."

Jonas looked up into the soft, pastel blue eyes. The shower spray thrummed against his head, splashing across to land on Daniel's chest. He could feel Daniel squeezing his hands and he could see the need hidden behind his eyes. Jonas realized that Daniel had just as much to prove to himself as he did to Jonas. He smiled quietly and nodded his head.

Daniel released Jonas' hands and placed them on the arms of the wheelchair. Lifting himself gently, he slid forward on the mesh seat until he was sitting near its front edge as Jonas rose to his feet. He looked at the manhood standing before him and his hands reached out. His fingers gently wrapped themselves around the organs hanging there. He held them, feeling the heat flow into them and feeling the excitement filling them.

Jonas' cock grew thicker. Daniel watched it grow. Slowly, it swelled and expanded and lengthened, stretching out toward Daniel as if calling to him. His eyes travelled up the body, along the smooth, rounded belly to the hairless chest with the mounded pectorals and the round, pointed nipples, and beyond to the face. Jonas looked down at him, expectation and excitement clearly shining in his eyes. The candlelight danced there, and his eyes were as alive as the rest of him.

Daniel closed his legs and tugged gently. "Come forward," he whispered about the spray.

Jonas stepped forward, his legs straddling Daniel's lower body and stopping only when his solid shaft of flesh rubbed against Daniel's cheek.

Daniel leaned back slightly, his eyes dropping to the manhood so close to him now. His left hand came up, cradling the low-hanging balls in his gentle grasp. His right hand wrapped itself around the cock and stroked along its length to the tip. A single drop of clear fluid appeared in the tiny slit at its tip and Daniel extended his tongue as he leaned forward to capture it. As the tongue disappeared once more into his mouth, Daniel delighted in the nectar he had discovered, allowing the flavour to rest there. His lips parted slightly and pressed forward, encircling the satin skin around the tip and the tongue pushed out once more to draw rings around it.

Above him, Jonas moaned in pleasure. "Oh, God, Daniel!" He placed his hands on Daniel's shoulders.

Daniel looked up again. Jonas' eyes were closed, but his smile was there, as were the dimples on his cheeks. Daniel pulled his lips around his teeth in preparation and pushed his head forward. The cock slid easily into his mouth. He moved his right hand to Jonas' hip. He hesitated only a moment when the cockhead reached the entrance to his throat, but he relaxed into it and the shaft slipped inside. A moment later, his nose was nestled into the soft, curly hairs at the base and his chin pressed against the testicles beneath.

A loud sigh escaped the lips of his lover and Daniel could feel the head swelling in appreciation. He held the cock there, allowing his tongue to tease the underside of the shaft as his throat toyed with the cockhead lodged there. He breathed slowly and easily through his nose, concentrating on preventing any sudden pain. He felt some discomfort, but it was nothing he couldn't deal with. The happiness he was bringing to Jonas was enough to make it worth while.

He pulled back slowly, the cockhead sliding out of his throat and into his mouth. He stopped when his lips met the coronal ridge. The discomfort eased and he knew he would need Jonas' help. He released his grasp on the tender balls and placed his hand on Jonas' other hip. With a gentle tug, Jonas' hips moved forward. He seemed to know instinctively what Daniel needed him to do.

Daniel felt the soft, velvety skin moving past his lips again. He could feel it passing over his tongue. He could feel it pressing along the roof of his mouth and into his throat. He could feel it all over again in reverse, and then the whole process began once more. His left hand moved back to the balls and his right hand slid forward. His thumb opened itself and slid beneath Jonas' cock. His fingers splayed and spread themselves across the hip.

He could feel Jonas' rhythm speeding up slightly. He could feel him becoming lost in the sex, but he never seemed to forget Daniel. As excited as Jonas was, he was just as careful not to hurt him. He let Jonas set the pace he wanted. He could hear the moans and groans above him, and they were becoming more frequent and intense. If he knew Jonas as well as he did, this would be his first orgasm since the night before Daniel left the house so many months ago.

He could feel the head begin to swell rhythmically and Jonas' left hand moved from his shoulder, along his arm, coming to rest finally around the base of his cock. He felt the fingers closing over his thumb as it lay beneath the cock and Daniel could see the thumb hooking itself over the top of it.

The shaft slid out of his mouth one final time, leaving just the head in Daniel's eager mouth. Jonas' balls retracted and became tighter in their sack and the head began to pulsate. Daniel put all his talents to use, his tongue dancing on the throbbing head as his lips pressed against it and his cheeks suctioned the air out.

He heard his name being called out, the sound echoing off the tiles. The head swelled one final time and the first blast of semen shot out against Daniel's pallet. It was heavy and thick and rich, and Daniel accepted it. It gathered on the back of Daniel's tongue and he swallowed as a second load bulleted out. He heard his name again. "Daniel!!" It was loud and it was stretched out as long as Jonas could stretch it. Beneath his hands, Daniel could feel Jonas quivering in his orgasm. He swallowed twice more, then gathered the last dregs and droplets of cum into one final pool. He savoured the flavour and texture and mixed it with the flavour and texture of Jonas' cock.

The spasms slowed and then stopped altogether. Jonas leaned against his shoulder and the quivering subsided. He swallowed one last time and waited as the softening cock slid from his reluctant lips.

Jonas stepped back and dropped to his knees between Daniel's legs. The spray from the shower raining against his back. He placed his arms on Daniel's legs and lay his head in Daniel's lap, his cheek nudging against Daniel's still-soft penis. "Thank you," he whispered loud enough to be heard.

He could feel Daniel's hands sliding onto his back. One arm clutched him in a gentle embrace while the other came to rest on the side of his head and began to stroke him. He stayed there for a long time as his body recuperated. Finally, he pushed himself upright and looked up into Daniel's handsome face.

"Are you okay?" he asked with genuine concern.

"I'm better than okay, Babe," Daniel said. "Thank you."

Jonas smiled and stood up again. Daniel had never called him that before. "I love you, Daniel Jackson." Before Daniel could respond, Jonas leaned down and pressed his lips solidly against those of his lover. He pressed his tongue forward and Daniel opened his mouth to allow it entrance. Jonas could taste himself there and his tongue explored everywhere it could reach as Daniel's tongue played a duel with him. For several long, happy minutes, they kissed each other, and then they separated.

"I love you," Jonas repeated.

"I love you, too," Daniel replied.

* * * * *

They sat up in bed together eating their bedtime snack. Jonas held a plate in his hand with a large piece of Daniel's ‘welcome home' cake on it and two large scoops of cherry-vanilla ice cream on the side. He took turns feeding them both with the single fork he held in his left hand. He leaned over twice to lick away the icing caught on Daniel's upper lip. Daniel took those moments to hold him there for a kiss.

"Do you feel better about yourself now?"

Daniel smiled. "I feel so good now. I'm just sorry my body. . . wouldn't cooperate for you."

"Your turn will come," Jonas said assuredly.

"I want to do it again tomorrow."

"Can we afford the water bill?"

Daniel chuckled. "I'll pay the bill. I want you to be happy."

"I am happy, Daniel."

"I want you to be happier then." Daniel suddenly raised his nose into the air, wiggled his head in an arrogant manner, and said in a posh, well-enunciated voice, "Perhaps you should consider. . . the protein content, Jonas Quinn."

It was Jonas' turn to chuckle. "You sound like Thor when you talk like that."

"I've been practicing."

"Daniel?"

"Mm hmm?"

"Shut up and eat your cake."

To Be Continued​

 

[gsdx]

Chapter 30
ANDREW​

"Are you sure you're up to this?" Jonas asked.

"I'm fine, Jonas," Daniel assured him. "As long as you avoid the potholes, I'm fine."

Daniel was feeling pretty good. The microwave and apartment-sized freezer had been purchased and would be delivered to their home later on that afternoon. Jonas would find out how much food he could put into the freezer, pack it up, and the whole lot would be delivered to Judy and Andrew as soon as possible.

Now, they were on their way to the library. Jonas thought it was only proper that he let them know that he was fine and to see how Mrs. Quartermain was handling the added duties of his job as well as her own.

"I think you should go back to work."

Jonas looked at him, surprised. "Not until you can handle things by yourself."

"Well, I could if you would let me."

"Daniel, you can't even walk to the bathroom by yourself yet."

"Mrs. McCreary would be there," Daniel explained. "If I had to go, she could help me get there and back. And Teal'c, Sam, and Cameron said they'd help."

Jonas shook his head. "No. You're my responsibility. It's up to me to take care of you."

"And you have other responsibilities."

Jonas remained silent.

"The point is, Jonas, other people need you, too."

"Not as much as you do."

"Listen to me," Daniel continued. "I can talk in bigger sentences now. It doesn't hurt. As long as I'm careful and get my rest, I'll be okay."

"No," Jonas insisted.

"Half-days then," Daniel offered. "You can feed me lunch, go to work in the afternoon, then cook supper when you get home. I can manage for a few hours."

Still, Jonas was hesitant. "I don't want to leave you alone, Daniel. What if you need me?"

"I won't be alone," Daniel insisted. "And you can put your library number on speed dial."

Jonas heaved a heavy sigh, but said nothing as he pulled to a stop at a red light.

"Promise you'll talk to your boss." Daniel watched Jonas' face. He could see the indecision there. "If you don't, I will."

Jonas looked at him and met his eyes. Finally, he smiled and the dimples returned. "Okay," he said. "I'll talk to Mr. Conklin."

"I'm going with you."

Jonas nodded, then leaned across the seat to give Daniel a quick kiss. "I love you."

"I love you, too, but the light is green."

* * * * *

"Jonas! My goodness, it's good to see you again!" Mrs. Quartermain was out of the chair and rushing to greet her co-worker.

Jonas grinned, releasing the handles of the wheelchair to shake Mrs. Quartermain's extended hand. "It's good to see you, too."

Mrs. Quartermain was much younger than Daniel had imagined. She looked younger than either Jonas or himself.

"Tracey," Jonas said, "this is my friend, Dr. Daniel Jackson. Daniel? Tracey Quartermain."

Daniel extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you. I'd get up, but. . ."

"Don't be silly," Tracey said, smiling, as they walked back to the desk. "Can I get you anything? Either of you? Coffee, perhaps?"

"We're fine, thanks, Tracey," Jonas said. "I just came in to talk to Mr. Conklin. He's on the phone right now, so I thought I'd come over to see how you're doing."

"It's been busy without you, but I'm managing." She sat in the chair and spun around to face them. "Doctor," she said. "As in ‘medical'?"

"As in ‘archaeology'," Daniel said proudly.

"Oh, how romantic!" Tracey exclaimed. "I should imagine you've been to some wonderful, exotic, far-away places."

"A few," Daniel smiled.

"Oh, Jonas!" she said as she turned back toward the desk. "I have these for you." She opened a drawer to her right, pulled out three envelopes, and spun around again and handed them to Jonas, who opened them, read them through quickly, then handed them to Daniel to hold for him. "That little boy. He's in here almost every day looking for you." Tracey then turned serious as she looked first to Daniel, then back to Jonas. "Oh, but I thought you were in the hospital."

"I was," Jonas said, " but I wasn't the one being treated. That was Daniel."

She looked at Daniel. "Oh, dear. I hope it wasn't serious."

"It was for awhile," Jonas said vaguely, "but he's recuperating now."

Mrs. Quartermain leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "A few weeks ago, I talked to a General. I gave him one of the boy's cards to give to you. He talked to Mr. Conklin, too. Since then, rumours have been flying that there was a kidnapping?"

Jonas leaned forward and whispered just as quietly. "Yes, there was. It was me, and Daniel was shot when he rescued me. But we can't tell you any more than that."

Tracey nodded and tapped the side of her nose with an index finger. "I understand. Goverment stuff. Your secret is safe."

Jonas knew it wouldn't be. By lunch hour, everyone in the library would know and there would be a whole new government conspiracy floating around and Jonas would be the hero of the day. He just smiled at her.

* * * * *

"Please, Jonas," Mr. Conklin said after introductions had been completed, "have a seat."

Jonas sat in the offered chair.

"Yes. Well, General. . . O'Neill, wasn't it?"

"Yes, Sir," Jonas offered.

"Yes. Well, General O'Neill explained everything to me when he came to see me. I'm afraid the rumours are my fault, Jonas. I let it slip accidentally."

"That's okay, Sir," Jonas said. "No harm done."

"Yes. Well, how are you doing now, Dr. Jackson?"

"Quite well, thank you, Sir," Daniel replied. "And please, call me Daniel."

"Yes. Well, Dr. Jackson, you didn't have to come in to see me. Jonas' word is good enough."

Jonas smiled. "I couldn't leave him home alone, Sir."

"Home? His home or your home?"

"Our home, Sir."

"Oh." Mr. Conklin sat back in his chair. "Yes. Well, to what do I owe this visit?"

Daniel spoke up before Jonas could have a chance to speak. "When could Jonas come back to work?"

"Why, anytime, Dr. Jackson."

"Call me Daniel. Could Jonas work half-days for a few weeks?"

"Yes. Well, Dr. Jackson, I suppose he. . . Your home? You mean. . ." Mr. Conklin looked back and forth from one man to the other.

"Yes, Sir," Jonas replied, "we are."

"Yes. Well, that changes everything," Mr. Conklin said. "Everything." He rose out of his chair, mumbling to himself and tapping his temple. He walked out the door.

"So help me, Jonas," Daniel whispered, "if he comes back. . . and says ‘Yes. Well, you're fired,'. . . I swear I'll bop him one!"

Jonas put a restraining hand on Daniel's shoulder. "Relax, Daniel. He's really a nice. . ."

Mr. Conklin returned, still muttering away to himself, and marched to a filing cabinet behind his desk and pulled open a drawer. "Paper, paper, paper," he mumbled. He slammed the drawer shut and pulled open another. "What am I looking for," he said as he rifled through folders. He stopped, stood up straight, and shouted, "Diane!" at the wall.

A voice came from somewhere outside the door. "C!"

"Yes, C, C, C. . . Ah!" He extracted a folder, sat in his chair, and began reading.

Daniel looked at Jonas, who could only shrug his shoulders.

Conklin continued mumbling as he read, then looked up and asked, "How long have you been living together?"

"Over three years, Sir."

Conklin returned to the papers in front of him. "Yes. Well, three years. Three years. Ah!" He looked up at them again. "Yes. Well, according to our regulations, you are considered a couple, and that, Jonas, entitles you to Compassionate Leave, as long as you can prove your services were required."

"May I, Sir?" Daniel asked.

"Yes. Well, please do."

Daniel lifted his sweater, exposing the bandage. He grasped the tape and pulled the bandage away.

Mr. Conklin looked and turned marginally pale. "Yes. Well, that looks very serious, Dr. Jackson."

"Please, Sir, call me Daniel," he said as he replaced the tape and smoothed down his sweater.

"Yes. Well, I'll certainly do that, Dr. Jackson."

Jonas could see Daniel opening his mouth to correct his boss, but he also knew that it would be wasted effort. He added quickly, "There's another in his chest, two in his shoulder, and one more on his leg."

"Yes. Well, I was thinking more along the lines of a Doctor's report, Jonas. I can't show Dr. Jackson to the board. Some of the ladies are rather frail."

"We can get you anything you need, Mr. Conklin," Jonas said, amused. "But what does all this mean?"

"It means, Jonas, that you don't have to take this time as vacation time. With proper documentation, a percentage of your salary will be paid and you will still have your vacation to look forward to."

Jonas put his hand on Daniel's shoulder again and Daniel placed his hand over it.

"Yes. Well," and then he shouted, "Diane! In!"

Diane appeared in the doorway. "Yes, Sir?"

Conklin held out the folder to her. "Could you find the forms Jonas needs to apply for Compassionate Leave?"

Diane took the folder, opened it from the back, and pulled out a set of papers stapled together. She handed it to Jonas.

"Yes. Well, that was quick, Diane," he said as Diane replaced the folder into the filing cabinet before leaving the office. "Thank you. So, Jonas, when could you come back?"

Daniel didn't give Jonas a chance to respond. "Would Thursday afternoon be okay, Sir? I just need him for a few more days. Afternoons would be best for us."

"I can't work this Saturday, though, Mr. Conklin," Jonas added. "We have a doctor's appointment."

"Yes. Well, that would be fine, I'm sure, Jonas. It will be wonderful having you back again. So, Thursday afternoon then?"

Jonas looked at Daniel, who nodded to him. To Conklin, he said, "I'll be here at noon, Sir."

"Wonderful! Wonderful! Yes. Well, Dr. Jackson, it has been a pleasure to meet you." He shook Daniel's hand, then Jonas'. "Send those reports to Diane. She'll take care of everything. Oh, did she give you the forms for the Compassionate Leave?"

"Yes, Sir, she did," Jonas smiled."Thank you, Sir."

* * * * *

As they left the library, Daniel mentioned, "I don't think ‘Compassionate Leave' applies to us. Do you think he even realized that. . . both of us are men?"

"Probably not," Jonas replied with a smile.

"How does he manage to keep his job?"

"Believe it or not, Daniel, he's very good at what he does."

* * * * *

Wednesday afternoon, Judy waited patiently for the package to arrive. Jonas had phone her early the morning before.

"Hi, Judy. If Andrew is there, please don't say my name," Jonas had said.

"He's lying down for a nap," Judy had said.

"Good."

"Jonas, where have you been? The people at the library couldn't tell us anything except that you were in the hospital. I tried phoning you, but the phone was disconnected. Andrew has been frantic. What's going on? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Judy. I can't talk about it right now. If you have a pen and paper, I'll give you a new number to call."

The phone number was exchanged.

"First of all, can you be home tomorrow afternoon? I have a little surprise I want you and Andrew to have."

"Yes," Judy had replied. "We can be here."

"I'm not sure what time it will be, but it will be in the afternoon."

"That's okay. We'll be here."

"Great. I'll be starting work again on Thursday afternoon in case Andrew wants to see me. I'll be working afternoons for a few weeks, and then I start full-time again."

"He'll be so happy to see you, Jonas. He's been impossible to live with lately. Are you really okay?"

"I'm okay. I'll tell you as much as I can later, okay? I promise."

Judy didn't tell Andrew about the surprise. She told him only that they had to stay home.

The sight of the delivery men from a local delivery firm surprised her, and she was more than surprised when they used a cart to bring in the energy-efficient freezer, the microwave, and six boxes packed with frozen food. The men unpacked the freezer and microwave and hooked them up. Daniel had paid them extra to do so. Judy could unpack the food herself when the freezer was ready.

She had peeled off the card taped to the top of the freezer box. She opened it now. It was a generic, everyday greeting card. Inside was written:

"Dear Judy and Andrew.

I'm sorry I disappeared so suddenly without telling you. I had no choice. I promise to tell you what I can as soon as I can. Please don't ask me to take these things back. I won't.

See you soon.
Jonas."

Inside the card were five more twenty-dollar bills. She was crying when she picked up the phone and called him.

* * * * *

Daniel had discovered that it was easier and more comfortable for both himself and for Jonas if he gave Jonas head while they were in bed, which was happening now. This was the third night in a row that Jonas was getting a ‘goodnight blowjob', as Daniel liked to call it. Jonas still had guilty feelings about receiving all that attention, but this seemed to be something that Daniel had to do for himself more so than for Jonas, and so he allowed it to happen.

He enjoyed it, of course. Why wouldn't he? Daniel had become very talented in giving blowjobs. He had nothing with which to compare them, but Jonas couldn't imagine anyone making him feel as good as his lover could. Even limited in movement as he was, Daniel had within him the creativity to improvise - to find new ways to please Jonas. His lips and his tongue became his hands and fingers. They became separate from his mouth and worked both together and apart, sending shivers of excitement throughout Jonas' entire body.

As they were doing now.

"Daniel," he whispered. His body stiffened and he knew he would not be able to stop what was about to happen. Daniel had taken him beyond that point. He could feel it gathering and growing. He could feel the sparks - the tell-tale tingling. He could feel his penis swelling, pressing against Daniel's lips. He could feel the pressure in his testicles. And then he could feel the release.

With a loud gasp of pleasure, the floodgates opened and Jonas poured himself into Daniel. Again and again, he could feel his most personal fluids flowing through him and into his lover.

And then it was finished.

* * * * *

"I don't have to go, Daniel."

"Yes, you do. I'm fine. Mrs. McCreary is here and. . . Sam said she'd drop by this afternoon. I have my books. I have everything I need." He smiled. "You're a phone call away."

Jonas grabbed the phone from the bedside table and set it on the bed beside Daniel. "I'll call you every hour."

"Will you relax?" Daniel couldn't help but smile at Jonas' anxiety. "I'm in good hands."

"But they're not mine."

"Jonas."

Jonas reached his hand to run it through Daniel's hair before allowing it to come to rest on his cheek. He leaned in for a final kiss. "I love you, Daniel."

"I love you, too, Jonas," Daniel said. "I'll be okay. I promise. Now, please go."

Jonas gave him one more kiss, rose to his feet, and walked out of the bedroom.

* * * * *

Jonas settled back into his job easily. The moment he sat at his desk, he felt ‘at home' again. Tracey Quartermain was ecstatic to see him, of course, as were the rest of the staff. A vase of a dozen blue orchids had greeted him, and he had phoned Daniel immediately to thank him.

"When did you order them?"

"Yesterday, when you were making lunch."

Jonas could imagine Daniel's sneaky smile. "Thanks, Daniel." He said. "Love you."

"I love you, too," Daniel replied. "Now, get back to work."

It was just after Jonas' second phone call to Daniel that he heard his name being screamed. He turned to see Andrew running across the library floor toward his desk, his mother, Judy, trying to keep up. Andrew was crying, tears streaming down his tiny face. It was obvious that he had no intention of stopping in front of the desk. He was running straight for Jonas.

He got out of his chair and quickly moved around the desk, dropping to one knee as Andrew reached him and jumped into his arms. Andrew's face buried itself against his chest, his little hands clutching desperately to his shirt.

"Shhhh," Jonas soothed him. "It's okay, Little Guy. I'm here. Shhhh."

Andrew continued crying loudly.

"I'm sorry, Jonas," Judy said.

Jonas smiled in understanding, then looked around. They were obviously garnering a lot of attention from staff and patrons alike. He looked at Judy. "Come with me," he said and led her to an open door.

Mrs. Quartermain looked up at them and jumped up from her chair, approaching them. "Oh, dear. What's wrong?"

"He's a little upset," Jonas explained. "Can we use your office until we can calm him down?"

"Of course, Jonas," the lady replied. She gently rubbed Andrew's hair. "Oh, dear. This is the little boy who has been looking for you."

"Yes."

"Can I get anything for him? A soft drink, maybe? A cookie?"

"No. We'll be okay. I'll get him something later."

"Okay," Tracey said. "Take your time, Jonas. I'll watch your desk." She left her office, closing the door politely behind her.

Jonas nodded to two chairs set along the wall near the door. He sat on the right one, Andrew's legs straddling Jonas' hips. Judy sat on the other. He continued to soothe Andrew. The crying had stopped, reduced now to sobs and sniffles. Judy looked on with tears in her eyes as her son clutched at the man sitting beside her.

"I'm here, Sport," Jonas said softly, soothingly. "I'm right here."

Without looking up, Andrew said quietly, "I thought you went away, Jonas. I thought you weren't coming back."

"Andrew, look at me."

Andrew pulled away, but wouldn't relinquish his grasp on Jonas' shirt. Jonas used his fingers to gently wipe away the tears staining Andrew's face.

"I had to go away for awhile, Andrew, but I'm back now. I'm not going away again. I promise."

"You really promise?"

Jonas made the sign of a cross on his chest. "I cross my heart and hope to die." And then he smiled.

Andrew smiled through his tears. "I love you, Jonas."

"I love you, too, Sport." Andrew settled back against Jonas' chest. Jonas looked at Judy and gave her a ‘helpless' shrug and smile.

"He's been like this since you left," Judy said. "I didn't know what to tell him. All I could tell him was that you were coming back, and I prayed so hard that you would."

Jonas nodded and turned his attention back to Andrew, still stroking his hair and trying to soothe him. The sobs and sniffles stopped, but Andrew remained where he was, finding comfort in Jonas and fearful of letting go in case Jonas went away again. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes."

"Would you like to sit with your Mom now?"

Andrew clutched the shirt again, trying to pull himself even closer to Jonas than he was. "No!"

Judy placed the palm of her hand on Jonas' thigh. "That's okay, Jonas," she said softly. "I don't mind. In fact, this is what I want to talk to you about."

Jonas looked down at her hand and he suddenly remembered a comment Judy had made once. "You'd make a good father," she had said. He looked at her. "I'm flattered, Judy, but. . ."

Judy looked at her hand and quickly jerked it away. "No! Oh, Jonas, Sweetie," she said quickly. "No no no no no! It's nothing like that!" She sat up straight in her chair. "I mean, it's about Andrew, but it's not about. . . ‘that'."

Jonas gave her an ‘I don't understand' look.

"I want you to be Andrew's Godfather," Judy explained.

"Godfather?"

"Yes. My mother can't look after him now, and, if anything should happen to me, I don't want Charles or his family to have any claim against him. There's no other family to take care of him. You're all Andrew has, Jonas."

Jonas looked down at Andrew. The boy still had his cheek pressed into his chest, his tiny fingers still holding tightly to the material of his shirt. "Andrew," he said softly, "I want you to go sit with your mother, okay?"

"No!" Andrew screamed and wrapped his arms as far around Jonas as he could. His fingers dug into Jonas' ribs and he wasn't about to let go.

"Jonas, what's wrong?"

He looked back at Judy. "Nothing's wrong, and you flatter me again, but I think it's best if I decline."

"Why? Andrew adores you, and you obviously care for him. You just said so."

"I do, Judy, but. . ." Jonas looked down at Andrew once more, then back at Judy. Then he reached into the neckline of his shirt and pulled out his necklace with the heart-shaped pendent, turning it over and holding it out to Judy. Andrew turned his head to see what was going on and sat up in Jonas' lap.

Judy took the pendent in her fingers and read the engraving on the back. She released it and sat back in her chair again. Andrew reached for the pendent. "That's pretty. Can I wear it, Jonas?"

"Sorry, Sport," Jonas said, smiling. "A good friend of mine gave this to me and I promised I wouldn't take it off."

"And you have to keep promises, right?"

"Yes, you do."

"Can I look at it?"

Jonas nodded. "Sure." Andrew scrambled to his knees and twisted around before settling his back into Jonas' right arm and dangling both legs over the other side. He took the pendent in his fingers, turning it over and over as he looked at it. Jonas hesitantly turned his attention back to Judy.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" she asked quietly.

"Frankly, Judy," he answered carefully, "it never came up and it's not something I should have to explain to everyone."

"But I left you alone to babysit him," Judy said anxiously. "Did you do anything to him? Would you do anything to him?"

"I can't answer that question, Judy, because my answer wouldn't be satisfactory to you. Only you can answer it."

Judy looked from Jonas' eyes down to the smiling face of her son. Andrew had his head resting against Jonas' shoulder as he played with the necklace. He looked completely at ease, completely unfraid. She looked back into Jonas' eyes and shook her head slightly and looked embarrassed for having asked the questions. "I don't think you have it in you to do anything like that. I shouldn't even have asked."

"I understand your concern, Judy, and if he were my son, I would be just as concerned. Don't ever feel embarrassed about protecting him."

Andrew gave up playing with the pendent and swung around again, his back against Jonas' chest, his legs splayed to either side. Instinctively, Jonas wrapped his arms protectively around Andrew.

"May I ask you some personal questions then?" Judy asked.

"Of course," Jonas replied. "As long as it doesn't take too long."

"No, it won't. May I ask how long you've been together?"

"I met him almost five years ago. We've been together almost four."

"Does he like children?"

"Daniel likes just about everybody."

"Is he a good provider?"

Jonas smiled at her question. "We provide for each other, but he's a good protector."

Judy nodded. "Would you be able to care for Andrew?"

"We own a house. Andrew would be well-provided for."

"Is that why you're working at the library? To help pay the mortgage?"

Jonas couldn't help himself. He laughed. "Sorry, I shouldn't have laughed. I apologize. I work here because I like books. We own our house, Judy. We paid cash for it."

This shocked Judy and she sat back in her chair. "Oh."

"Like I told before. Money isn't an issue."

Judy looked at the two young men sitting beside her, then she looked at Jonas again. "I brought the money you put in the card with me. I was going to make you take it back."

"The money is yours, Judy. And there will be more, no matter what happens here. I really want to help you and Andrew if you'll let me. And Daniel does, too. He was the one who bought the freezer and microwave. Not me. It was all his idea."

Judy's eyes were filling with tears again. She nodded and wiped at her face with her fingertips. "Do you have a picture of him?"

Jonas gave her a reassuring smile and said, "Hang on, Sport." He leaned forward in order to pull his wallet from his back, left-hand pocket. He opened it and extracted the two photos he always carried with him and handed them to Judy. The first photo was of himself and Daniel together and smiling. Daniel wore his glasses in that one. The second was an angled profile of Daniel without his glasses. It was Jonas' favourite.

"You make a very handsome couple," Judy said as she examined the pictures.

"Thank you."

"He looks like a teacher with his glasses on," she said.

"He could be," Jonas replied. "He has a doctorate in archaeology and he's an expert on Ancient Egypt. And he's a linguist as well."

"Linguist?" Judy asked. "That's languages, isn't it?"

"Yes. He speaks over twenty languages and reads a lot of others that aren't even spoken anymore."

"Boy, do I ever feel stupid," she said. "I can barely manage English."

Jonas smiled again. "He makes me feel stupid." As Judy handed the pictures back, she asked, "May I ask what he does for a living?"

"Can I see?" Andrew asked. Jonas handed him the pictures. "Who's this?" he asked, pointing.

"That's my friend. His name is Daniel. He gave me the necklace."

Andrew looked at the other picture. "I like him," he announced.

"You don't even know him, Sport."

Andrew twisted his head so he could look up at Jonas. "You like him, don't you?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then I like him, too. He's pretty. Just like you, Jonas."

"Andrew," Judy said as she laughed, "girls are pretty. Boys are handsome."

"I'm a boy. You say I'm pretty." Andrew handed the photos back to Jonas.

"He's got you there, Judy," Jonas said as he tucked the photos back into his wallet.

"I guess he does," she said, still chuckling.

"In answer to your question, I can only tell you that he works for the Air Force as a translator, an interpreter, and an attaché."

"I'd like to meet him. Would this weekend be okay?"

"That might be a problem," Jonas explained. "He just came out of the hospital a few days ago."

"I thought you were in there."

"I was," Jonas replied. "I was taking care of him. I still am. He's at home right now."

"Oh, my! What happened? Is he okay?"

"He's recovering," Jonas said. "I can't tell you much more than that he was shot during a kidnapping rescue a few weeks ago."

Judy thought for a moment, looking down at the floor. "I don't remember hearing about a kidnapping." She looked back up at Jonas.

"And you probably never will."

"The government?" Jonas nodded. "It must have been someone very important."

"It was someone important to Daniel," Jonas said. "It was me."

"You!? Why would anyone want to kidnap you?"

"Money." Jonas said. When it came right down to it, that's why he had been kidnapped. "I'm not at liberty to give you any other details."

Judy nodded her understanding. She knew enough about the government to know when things could not be told. "I'd really like to meet him now."

"I'll tell you what," Jonas suggested. "I'll talk to him tonight when I get home. If he feels up to it, I'll have you and Andrew over for dinner on Sunday. How does that sound?"

Andrew perked up at that and spun around to face Jonas. "Am I going to your place for supper?"

Jonas smiled down at him. "We're working on it, Sport." Andrew settled back again. Smiles filled his face and happiness filled his eyes.

"Saturday would be better for us."

"We have to see the Doctor on Saturday. I don't know how long we'll be there."

Judy nodded. "Okay, Sunday would be good then."

"I'll phone you tonight to let you know." Looking down, he asked, "So, Andrew, what would you like me to cook for you?"

"Hotdogs!"

Jonas looked at Judy. She shrugged. "He loves boiled hotdogs."

"Hotdogs it is, then." He looked at Judy and winked. "I'll have lots of other stuff, too. Don't worry." And then he grinned. "It should be fun, though. I've never seen Daniel eat a hotdog before."

* * * * *

"I want to do this, Daniel," Jonas said as they were eating dinner.

"Then do it."

"But that might mean Andrew moves in with us."

"Jonas Quinn, I can see how much you care for him. It's all over your face every time. . . you mention his name. If this is what you want, then it's what I want for you."

Jonas phoned Judy with the happy news and the Sunday afternoon dinner confirmation.

To Be Continued​

 

[gsdx]

Chapter 31
ONE LAST HURDLE​

Somewhere between home and Cheyenne Mountain, Dr. Lam became temporarily unavailable for Daniel's examination. Dr. Carmichael offered to do the examination, but Daniel thought he might wait for Dr. Lam.

"It could be two or three hours," Dr. Carmichael announced. "Maybe more. I'm quite familiar with your case and I know what I am to look for, Dr. Jackson."

Daniel looked up at Jonas from his wheelchair.

"It's up to you, Daniel."

Daniel thought for a few moments, then nodded.

"Okay, then," the Doctor said as he pulled the curtain around the bed. "If you wouldn't mind getting undressed, we'll do the CT scan first. Mr. Quinn, I assume you know where radiology is?"

"Yes, Sir, I do."

"Fine. They're waiting for you. If you can take Dr. Jackson there when he's changed, we'll get a peek at what's going on in his tummy. Bring him back here when you're finished."

"Yes, Sir."

"See you in a few, Dr. Jackson," Dr. Carmichael said, and left the examination room.

Daniel stood up with Jonas' help. "My ‘tummy'?" Daniel said. "What about my little problem? Do I ask if he wants to see my wee-wee?"

Jonas chuckled. "He's a good doctor, Daniel."

"I know," Daniel acknowledged. "But I'm forty years old. I haven't had a tummy since I was ten."

"I'm glad you've still got your wee-wee, though."

Daniel giggled despite himself. "So help me, Jonas Quinn, if you make me laugh. . ."

"Sorry," Jonas said. "Come on. Let's get you naked."

* * * * *

Jonas waited patiently in the hallway as Dr. Carmichael made his examinations. Dr. Lam arrived.

"Hello, Jonas," she said. "It's good to see you again. So, how's my favourite Doctor?"

"Pretty good, I think. He doesn't use the wheelchair much in the house anymore, and I don't think his lung hurts him much. On good days, he can talk in complete sentences. His stomach is still tender, though, but it doesn't put him down the way it did last week."

"That doesn't surprise me. It's going to be tender on the inside for awhile, even after the wound is healed." Dr. Lam paused. "How is his impotence?"

"He's really concerned about that, Doctor," Jonas replied. "I get the feeling he thinks he'll never be able to get an erection again."

"He will, Jonas," the Doctor explained. "There's nothing physically wrong with him. The stomach injuries prevented it before, mainly because it was so painful for him. Now, his concerns may be causing mental impotence. Have you tried any stimulation?"

"Only with my hand. He won't let me do anything else."

"By that, do you mean oral stimulation?"

"Yes."

"Which does he prefer?"

"Oral."

"Then do it," the Doctor said. "Right now, he doesn't feel complete as a man, and performance is very important. Because he can't perform, he probably thinks you're not interested in him anymore."

"That's exactly what he thinks," Jonas confirmed. "He's been taking care of me all week, but he barely lets me touch him."

"Then you have to show him, Jonas. It may still take a week, a month, or it could be tomorrow. I suspect it's the mental block which is stopping him now. Keep your ears open. He may tell you what it is without even knowing it."

Jonas smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Doctor."

Dr. Lam smiled back. "Good. I'll go in now and check him out myself. I'll talk to you both in a few minutes, okay?"

"Okay."

* * * * *

Jonas joined the Doctors and Daniel. Daniel was sitting on the side of the bed, still dressed in his hospital gown. Jonas sat beside him and held his hand.

The good news was that Daniel no-longer needed the bandages, but Dr. Lam would still like him to use a waterproof bandage on his stomach wound for showers and, if he preferred to take them, baths. There was no need for antibiotics anymore, but Daniel should still take care not to push himself too much. Rest was still the best medicine for him to heal what was on the inside.

She assured Daniel once again that his impotence was temporary. "Your body suffered very serious trauma, Dr. Jackson, especially in your abdomen, Dr. Lam said. "I had to do some things in there which your body is still trying to adjust to. It's going to take time. If you wish, I can make an appointment for you to see Dr. MacKenzie."

"You think I want this?" Daniel asked incredulously as he yanked his hand out of Jonas' grasp. "You think I'm making this happen?"

"Possibly," said the Doctor.

"Why?" Daniel asked. Anger and frustration entered his voice. "Why would I want this to happen?"

"Fear," Dr. Lam said. "Rejection. Jonas himself."

"Jonas? What does he have to do with anything?"

"Your inability to satisfy him."

Daniel's brow furrowed into deep creases. "Well, excuse me, Doctor. It's none of your damned business, but I have no problem satisfying Jonas."

"Yes, it is my business, Dr. Jackson. When it has to do with the recovery of my patients, it becomes very much my business, and this is part of your recovery." She paused. "Love is a two- way street, Dr. Jackson. It is as much giving as it is receiving." Her attention turned to Jonas. "Mr. Quinn, how do you feel about getting all this attention and not being able to give any back?"

"Guilty," Jonas replied immediately.

Daniel spun on him. "Guilty?" he asked. "Why should you feel guilty? I take good care of you."

"Yes, you do, Daniel," Jonas admitted, "but I want to wait for you. I want to wait for both of us."

"Yeah, well, you could be waiting for the rest of your life."

Jonas clutched Daniel's hand again, holding on even when Daniel tried to pull it away. "You know that's not true, Daniel," he said calmly, sadly. "Please. Let's talk to Dr. MacKenzie. He can help us. He helped bring us together, remember? He can do it again."

The sadness in Jonas' voice caused Daniel to look at him. He lost himself in Jonas' deep, blue eyes. He saw the pleading there. He saw the pain. Finally, he smiled and squeezed Jonas' hand.

"Okay," Daniel said. "I'll talk to him."

"We'll talk to him. Thank you," Jonas said and kissed him.

* * * * *

"Daniel!" Samantha Carter shouted as she jumped from her chair and gave him a careful hug and a kiss on the cheek. "You just can't stay away, can you?"

Daniel grinned. "It's not my fault," he said. "Lover-Boy here did the driving and this is where we ended up."

"Oh, hey!" Sam said excitedly as she returned to her desk to grab up a CD jewel case with Daniel's name written on it. "Nyan sent back some photos of those ruins. He's finding all sorts of stuff there. I put them on a CD for you. I was going to bring it to you next time I came for a visit. I've included a copy of the diagram he drew and he's numbered all the photos according to the diagram for you."

"Thanks," Daniel said sincerely. "Hey. How about lunch? My treat."

"Sure," Sam said. "I could use a break."

"Are Teal'c and Mitchell here?"

Sam shook her head. "Teal'c's on Dakara. As far as I know, the Colonel is at home. He said he was going to spend his weekend off watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy."

"I haven't seen it yet."

"I've read the books," Jonas added. "You should learn Elvish, Daniel. It's a beautiful language."

Daniel sniggered. "Yeah, right," he said. "That would look really good on my résumé. Languages spoken: German. Russian. Ancient Egyptian. Elvish. . . ."

They all laughed. "Come on," Sam said. "Let's go eat."

* * * * *

"Do you feel up to a bit of shopping?" Jonas asked as they drove away from Cheyenne Mountain. "I want to pick up a few toys to keep around the house for Andrew."

"Sure," Daniel answered. "I don't feel too bad, even with Carmichael's poking and prodding. He's not as gentle as Dr. Lam."

The arrived home a few hours later. After Daniel was undressed and settled back into bed, Jonas unloaded his car. It took three trips to do so, then one more for the plastic toy box. Somewhere in the pile was a plastic bag full of hotdogs and hotdog rolls. He'd bought extra to send home with Judy.

He took the bags into the smaller guestroom, just off the living room. That would become Andrew's bedroom if things went as planned. As he unpacked the toys, he imagined how he was going to paint and decorate the room. By the time he was finished unpacking and opening and putting away the toys and DVDs and books, he had the room decorated in his mind.

He told Daniel all about it after they had eaten dinner and were sitting in the bathtub. Daniel luxuriated in the bath. He loved just lying back and enjoying the heat and soothing comfort. Jonas, of course, was settled between his legs and leaning into his chest.

"You're going to make a wonderful Godfather," Daniel said. "Andrew is going to be one lucky little boy."

"I'm the lucky one, Daniel," Jonas said. "Wait until you meet him tomorrow."

* * * * *

"Wait, Daniel," Jonas said as they lay in bed. Daniel had begun to rearrange himself in order to give Jonas his nightly blowjob.

"Why?"

"Just wait." Jonas pushed him gently back into the pillows and leaned in for a lengthy, passionate kiss. His hand moved down Daniel's body from this chest, pushing against the sheets at the same time, and finally come to rest on Daniel's soft, limp penis. He was saddened that it didn't respond, as it had before, but he put it out of his mind and began to trail his lips and tongue, following the same path his fingers had taken only moments before.

His lips wrapped themselves around Daniel's cockhead, and then suctioned the shaft inside. The feeling was different to him, but the taste was the same. It was Daniel's taste, and he loved it. He didn't try to give Daniel a blowjob. He simply teased and enjoyed the tube of flesh in his mouth.

"Jonas, stop."

Jonas released the cock from his mouth and looked at Daniel. "I'm sorry, does it hurt?"

"No," Daniel replied. "Just stop, please."

"It's okay, Daniel. I don't mind doing this." He wrapped his lips around the head again.

"Damn it, Jonas! Stop!"

This time, Jonas pulled away and sat up. "What's wrong?"

"You know what's wrong, Jonas! I don't need your pity!"

"Is that what you think this is, Daniel? Pity?"

"What else could it be!?"

Jonas was getting angry now, himself. "I could mean, Dr. Jackson, that I'm trying to tell you I love you!"

Daniel rose up on his elbows. "Well, you're just making me feel like shit!"

"Why?"

"Because nothing's happening, Jonas! Nothing ever happens! I'm useless to you!"

Here we go again, Jonas thought. He calmed himself. "Daniel, please, don't do this."

"If you're so desperate to suck a cock, call Cameron! I'm sure he'd love you to give him a blowjob!"

Jonas was suddenly furious. He jumped out of bed and stared down at Daniel. "Oh, so we're back to Cameron again! There's nothing between Cameron and me, Daniel! Nothing! You're the one I love! Not Cameron!"

"And he's got a cock that works!"

Jonas thought quickly. His decision was made in moments. "I've had enough of this bullshit, Daniel," he said threateningly. "Do you actually believe Cameron would allow anything to happen even if I went running to him?"

"Why not, Jonas? You want to, and he damned well wants it, too! He told me!"

Jonas was at the end of his rope. "I'm putting an end to this right now." He picked up the phone and began punching buttons with his finger.

"Are you calling him?"

Jonas stopped dialing and turned to face Daniel. "Yes, I am." Daniel moved and reached for the phone. Jonas slammed the receiver onto its cradle. "You stay there, Daniel, and shut the fuck up! Or, so help me, I'll see to it that you never get out of that bed again! And you know damned well I can do it!"

Daniel settled back into the pillows, pulling the sheets up to his neck. Fear and anxiety swarmed his face. Hurricane Jonas was here, and Daniel could do nothing but to try and weather the storm.

Jonas picked up the phone again and dialed, then stood up to wait.

Finally, he said, "Cameron? It's Jonas. Look, I need your help. . . . Yes, as soon as you can . . . Okay, the door will be open. Just come on in. . . . Thanks. Bye." He hung up the phone and picked up his green bathrobe, calmly slipping his arms into the sleeves and wrapping the robe around him before tying the belt into a loose bow. He tossed Daniel a pair of pyjama bottoms. "Put these on if you want." He went to the front door, unlocked it, and returned to the bedroom where he sat on the edge of the bed. "And now we wait," he said.

It was several minutes before they heard the front door opening and closing. "Jonas?" came the voice.

"In the bedroom," Jonas answered.

Cameron appeared in the doorway. "What's wrong? Is Jackson okay?"

"He's fine," Jonas replied as he stood up. "Come on in."

Cameron entered the room rather warily and walked cautiously to the side of the bed. There was nothing wrong that he could see. "What's going on?"

Jonas pulled the belt loose, pushed back the robe from his shoulders, and let it drop off his arms to the floor. His erection stood straight out from his body. "Do you want to have sex with me, Cameron?"

Mitchell chuckles nervously. "You're joking, right?" He looked at Daniel. "Is he joking?"

"I'm not joking, Cameron," Jonas said seriously. "My proposition still stands. My mouth or my ass. You can have either one. Or both. I can curl your toenails either way."

"Are you crazy, Jonas?" Cameron couldn't believe what he was hearing or seeing. He glanced at Daniel, desperate for an explanation.

"Forget Daniel, Cameron. He doesn't care. He's the one who told me I should call you so I can give you a blowjob." Mitchell was speechless. "No," Jonas corrected, "that sounds too polite. He wants me to suck your cock, Cameron."

Cameron threw up his hands defensively. "I don't know what's got into you, Jonas, but you're nuts!"

"I'm not crazy, Cameron," he said as he slowly advanced. "I'm horny, and I want to have sex with you."

Cameron backed away.

"What's the matter, Cameron? Don't you want a blowjob? Don't you want to feel what I can do to you? How good I can make you feel? Ask Daniel. I can make you feel better than you've ever felt before."

Cameron placed his hands on Jonas' shoulders and pushed him back. Jonas stumbled, but quickly caught his balance and advanced again. Cameron backed himself against the wall and could go no further.

"Come on, Cameron. When was the last time you had a good blowjob?"

"That's none of your fuckin' business!"

"I can do better, Cameron. I can suck your balls right through your cock. I can take the whole thing, no matter how big it is. I can make you feel things you've never felt before. Don't you want to feel that way?"

Cameron pushed him away again. "Get the fuck away from me!"

"Why, Cameron," Jonas continued. "Why don't you want me to give you a blowjob?"

"Oh, man, Jonas, you're swimming in the wrong end of the pool, you are!"

"Why, Cameron? Tell me why you don't want a blowjob."

Cameron lost it at that moment. He stepped up to Jonas, their noses almost touching. Jonas held his ground and didn't move.

"You want me to tell you ‘why', asshole!?" Cameron screamed. "I'll tell you why! My best friend is lying in that bed and he's got holes in him because of you! If it wasn't for your sorry ass, he wouldn't be lying there! And if you think I would do anything - anything - that would hurt him. . ." He paused to take a breath. "I'd kill myself before I ever did anything to hurt Daniel!"

He called me ‘Daniel', Daniel thought to himself. He never calls me that.

Jonas turned slowly to look at his lover. His voice was soft, caring, and full of more love than Daniel had ever heard in it. "And I would kill myself before I ever hurt you, Daniel. Do you believe me now?"

Daniel began to cry.

"What in hell's going on here?" Cameron asked.

"Could you wait outside for a minute, please, Cameron?"

"Not until I find out what's going on."

"I'll tell you everything," Jonas assured him, taking Cameron gently by the arm and leading him to the door. "I promise. Please, just give us a minute or two." Cameron looked from Jonas to Daniel, then back to Jonas. "Please, Cameron."

Mitchell nodded and stepped out. Jonas closed the door quietly and walked to the bed and sat down.

Daniel was still crying, speaking through his tears. "I'm sorry, Jonas. I didn't believe you."

Jonas smiled. "I know. I had to prove it to you."

"Cameron could have killed you."

"And I would rather be dead than to spend the rest of my life with you always wondering about us." He kissed away Daniel's tears. "You're the only one, Daniel. Now and for always."

Daniel stared into Jonas' eyes for a long minute. "I love you so much it hurts, Jonas. Please, don't ever leave me."

"That will never happen, Daniel. Never again." They kissed. "We have to tell him, Daniel. Everything. We dragged him into this mess. He has the right to know."

"I know."

Jonas smiled and nodded. "I'm going to get dressed. Do you want something more than pyjamas?"

Daniel shook his head ‘no'.

Jonas dressed quickly, then opened the door. "Cameron?" He pulled the reading chair close to the bed, then sat down on the bed as Cameron entered the room. He indicated the chair with his hand. Cameron sat down in it and crossed one leg, the ankle resting on his knee.

"First of all, Cameron, I want to apologize for what just happened, and especially for you having to see me naked." Mitchell nodded his acceptance. "I have a crush on you, Cameron. I always have."

"I think I kinda knew that," Mitchell said, "and I'm flattered."

Daniel's voice was quieter. "I have a crush on you, too," he said.

Mitchell sat back in the chair, surprised. "Now that I didn't know, and I'm doubly flattered," he said. "But if you guys are looking for a threesome, that's way too kinky, even for me."

Jonas chuckled. "We're not looking for a threesome, Cameron, but it's important for you to know how we feel about you, because that is what this whole thing was about."

Mitchell sat forward again. "I don't understand."

"It's my fault," Daniel admitted. "I pushed Jonas into it." Cameron looked more confused than ever. Daniel continued. "Since I was shot, I've had this. . . problem. A. . . ‘man' problem."

"Oh," Mitchell said, nodding. And then he understood. "Oh!"

"It's not permanent," Jonas quickly explained, "but Daniel thinks it might be, and, because he's afraid that I might have to wait for him for a long time, I'll go running to you instead."

Mitchell nodded again. "So, those offers weren't really real?"

"Oh, they were real," Jonas said. "And Daniel knows they're real. I've wanted to have sex with you since the moment I met you, and Daniel knows that."

"Whoa," Mitchell said, sitting back in the chair again.

"It took me a few weeks longer," Daniel said.

"You, too, Jackson?" Mitchell asked and Daniel nodded. "Double ‘whoa'," he said.

"I've come to love you as a friend, Cameron," Jonas said. "But it's Daniel that I really love. He had it in his head that sex was more important to me than he is, and he wouldn't believe me when I told him it wasn't. That's why he thought I would go to you instead."

"So, this whole game was just to get me to say what I did."

"Yes," Jonas said. "He had to hear it from both of us, and I had to get you mad enough to admit it." He looked at Daniel and smiled. "A little trick I learned from Dr. MacKenzie."

Daniel took Jonas' hand in his and squeezed it tightly. "Dr. MacKenzie got Jonas angry enough to admit he loved me, and that was when I realized that I really loved him, too."

"Look, Jonas," Mitchell said, "the next time you proposition me, could you give me a ‘fake/not fake' signal or something? I keep feeling like I just opened my Christmas present and the box was empty."

"I'll tell you what," Jonas joked. "If it's real, I'll tie a ribbon around it."

Mitchell laughed. "So, I did good?"

Jonas stood up and bent over to kiss Mitchell on the cheek. "You did better than good, Cameron."

"Give him one for me, too," Daniel said.

Mitchell smiled. "If you don't mind, Kelowna Boy, I think I'd rather not have it delivered by proxy." Jonas stepped back as Cameron stood up and bent over the bed to receive his kiss from Daniel. "Well," he said as he stood back up straight, "this was a lot more fun than watching Merry and Pippin running around on my TV. Is anyone hungry? I'm hungry. Let's order pizza."

"I have some beef stew I can heat up," Jonas said. "Would you like some of that?"

"Homemade or out of a can?" Mitchell asked.

"We don't eat anything out of a can," Daniel said.

Cameron winced with envy. "Suddenly the pizza isn't sounding so good anymore." He looked at Jonas. "You're sure it's not too much trouble?"

"Never," Jonas said. "Daniel?" He nodded. "I'll bring in a beer while you wait. Stay here and keep Daniel company. We'll eat in here." He headed for the kitchen.

"Thank you, Cameron," Daniel said, "for what you said to Jonas."

"Oh, you mean about killing myself and all that?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah, well, I don't know if I'd go as far as killing myself, but I might go as far as getting myself a little bit dead."

Daniel smiled at him. "So, we're still good?"

"We're still good, pal."

"Just checking."

Jonas returned in time to hear Cameron saying, "So, when we're out on a mission, I don't even have to ask you to watch my back. You're already doing it, right?"

Both Jonas and Daniel laughed as Jonas handed Mitchell his bottle of beer and Daniel his glass of wine.

"Oh, hey, Jonas," Cameron said. "I'm wearing underwear tonight and. . ."

"Black, Jockey brand." He turned and left the room again to prepare their stew.

"He's good," Cameron said.

"He's the best."

* * * * *

"How long does it take to nuke a bowl of beef stew?" Cameron asked. "I'm hungry."

"Jonas doesn't nuke. He reheats."

"On the stove?"

"Yup. Besides, he won't bring it in until the biscuits are done."

"He's making biscuits, too?"

Daniel chuckled. He could almost see Cameron salivating. "You can't have beef stew around here without homemade biscuits."

"Homemade? Not out of that tube you smack against the counter?"

"Get used to it, Cameron. If you eat here, it's real food."

Mitchell shook his head. "Damn, Jackson, you're the luckiest son of a bitch in the world."

Daniel looked at the empty bedroom door and smiled. "Yes, I am, aren't I?"

* * * * *

Four more beers, another bowl of stew, and untold numbers of hot, buttered biscuits, and Cameron was ready to go home.

"Oh, no you don't," Jonas said. "No-one leaves my home drunk."

"I'm not drunk," Cameron complained.

"You're drunk enough. Now come on, your bed awaits."

"The sofa is good enough."

"The bed is better."

"But. . ."

"Cameron," Daniel said, "give it up. You won't win."

He didn't win.

To Be Continued​

 

[gsdx]

Chapter 32
FINAL RESOLUTIONS​

The house was dark and silent. Daniel Jackson lay naked on his back. Jonas Quinn, equally naked, slept on Daniel's shoulder. Daniel could feel Jonas' naked body pressing against him, one arm, as usual, lying on his chest, the palm cupped over his left pectoral muscle. Daniel could feel Jonas sleeping. He could hear his soft, shallow breathing, and he could feel the heat from Jonas' body flowing into him. He could smell Jonas in his nostrils and he felt that it was the most intoxicating scent he had ever known. His left arm held his lover close to him, and Daniel kissed his hair.

Somewhere in another room in the house, Cameron Mitchell slept, but Daniel wasn't even thinking about him. He was thinking about the man who slept in his arms. He loved Jonas more than his own life, as he had proclaimed time and time again. And he loved Jonas even more than he ever had at that very moment.

His right arm came to his chest and Daniel touched Jonas' hand with his fingertips. He moved his hand on top and clasped it gently. Jonas didn't stir. Daniel squeezed harder, and Jonas shifted himself and sighed through his nose. Daniel could feel the breeze on his chest, and it felt wonderful.

"Jonas," he whispered, and Jonas was awake immediately.

The red light from the digital clock radio cast a soft, red glow over the bed. Jonas rose quickly to his elbow, his eyes intent on the man he loved.

"Daniel? What's wrong?" he asked. There was concern in his voice. Daniel rarely woke him up in the middle of the night.

"I need you to kiss me, Jonas," Daniel said in a whisper.

Jonas laughed lightly. "You woke me up just to kiss you?"

"Yes," Daniel whispered and squeezed Jonas' hand once more.

Jonas leaned down. His lips found Daniel's and Daniel responded immediately, bringing his left arm around Jonas' back to hold him in place. The kiss was intense and exotic and their mouths explored each other. And then Jonas felt Daniel moving their hands. Down over Daniel's body it went, slowly and easily. Jonas could feel the skin passing beneath his own, and suddenly his hand was lifted away. It came to rest on Daniel's hard cock.

With his mouth trapped on Daniel's, Jonas began to cry, his sobs coming in short, rapid exhalations. He blew quick, sharp breaths into Daniel's mouth and through his nose. His lips attacked Daniel's lips and his fingers wrapped themselves around Daniel's shaft. Daniel allowed the kiss to continue until Jonas could gain control of himself, and then he loosened his arm-hold. Their lips barely parted.

"I love you so much, Jonas."

"I love you, too." Jonas began to gently stroke his lover's cock, and Daniel sighed in pleasure. He kissed Daniel once more and moved cautiously down his body until the trembling cockhead pressed against his lips. He opened his mouth and Daniel slipped inside.

Daniel's hand moved to Jonas' head. "Oh, God, Jonas!" he said as quietly as he could. "Oh, God!"

Jonas held Daniel in his mouth, the head lodged easily and securely in his throat. He could smell Daniel, and he drank it in, savouring it and enjoying it. He pulled his head back carefully until his lips met the taut ridge, and then he suctioned the air out of his mouth, his tongue dancing around the head. He could feel it swell, and suddenly he could feel Daniel go rigid. A grunt escaped Daniel's lips.

"Jonas! Stop!" Daniel pleaded. His hand pulling urgently at Jonas' head.

Jonas relaxed his mouth and carefully pulled away. A moment later, he was beside Daniel again, his hand resting over Daniel's heart. "I'm so sorry, Daniel," he said. "I was trying to be so careful."

"I know, Jonas," Daniel said. "I know. It hurt."

"Your stomach?"

"Yes. It's okay now, but it hurt so much."

Jonas massaged Daniel's chest. "I just wanted to make you feel good."

"It did," Daniel assured him. "Believe me, it did. And it will feel good again, but not right now."

Jonas smiled into the darkness, his eyes still blurred by lingering tears. "At least you know now."

Daniel nodded. "Yes. Good things happen when you get mad at me."

"You're a stubborn man, Daniel Jackson. Sometimes you don't listen until someone makes you listen."

"I know, Jonas, and that's why I love you. If I were you, I would have divorced myself years ago."

"Don't ever change, Daniel."

"I won't if you won't."

They kissed again and then they went to sleep. Both of them had happy dreams that night.

* * * * *

Cameron Mitchell awoke to daylight. He groaned, coughed, and stretched before opening his eyes. The room wasn't familiar and he was sitting up in bed and looking at his clothes dropped on the floor before he remembered where he was.

Right. Jackson's place. He bent down, picked up his underwear and took a sniff, grunted in disgust, then gathered up the rest of his clothes. He emptied his pockets, dropping the contents on the bed, and took the pile to the bathroom. He tossed the clothes into the washer, dumped in a capful of detergent, closed the door, and set the timer. He turned on the shower, set the temperature, and stepped in.

Minutes later, smelling clean and fresh - "Manly, yes!" he said, then in a falsetto voice, "but I like it, too!" - Cameron stepped out of the shower and dried himself. He draped the wet towel over the laundry hamper there, then opened the cabinet over the sink. Typical Jonas. Always thinking. Always the host. There was a small glass full of mini, plastic-wrapped toothbrushes and several tubes of toothpaste for all tastes. He grabbed a yellow toothbrush and a tube of plain paste with baking soda in it, and set to work. Not that he liked yellow. It was the first one he grabbed. With his teeth brushed and cleaned, he rubbed at his chin, checking the stubble. There were razors and cream in the cabinet as well, but he just closed the door. "Fuck it," he said. "It's Sunday."

He grabbed another towel off the rack and left the bedroom, wrapping the towel around his waist as he walked down the hall. Jackson's bedroom door was still closed. "Sleepy heads," he said quietly, then padded bare-footed to the kitchen. He found the coffee easily enough and prepared the maker for twelve cups. Then he sat down at the small table to wait for it to brew.

Half the pot had brewed before he rose from the chair and poured himself a mug of coffee. He sat down again, scooped in a few spoons of sugar, and took a cautious sip, expressing his pleasure with a long ‘Ahhhhh'.

He was halfway through his first mug of coffee when he heard the bedroom door open. He could hear feet shuffling across the floor and turned to see Jonas leading Daniel into the kitchen, supporting him with an arm around his back.

"Good morning," Jonas said cheerfully.

"What's for breakfast?" Cameron asked.

Daniel chuckled lightly and stopped when they were standing beside their friend. "Cameron? Could you stand up, please?"

"Why?"

"Because I can't bend down that far."

Cameron shrugged with an ‘okey-dokey' look on his face and stood up.

"Thank you," Daniel said, then leaned forward to kiss Cameron on the cheek.

"And thank you from me, too," Jonas said and repeated Daniel's gesture of appreciation.

"Wow," Cameron said. "Do you greet all your guests like that in the mornings?"

"Only those we like," Jonas said.

"And those who do something special," Daniel added.

"Me? What did I do?"

"It's not what you did, Cameron," Jonas said as he carefully set Daniel onto a chair. "It's what you said last night."

"You mean it helped?"

"More than you know," Jonas said. "Now, have a seat and I'll make breakfast for everyone."

Cameron sat and looked at Daniel in his blue robe and Jonas in his green one, and suddenly he remembered he was sitting in only a towel. "Oh, hey. You guys got another robe or something? I threw my clothes in the washer. Hope you don't mind."

"You're fine, Mitchell," Daniel said. "I'm the modest one, remember?"

"Besides," Jonas said as he gathered materials for breakfast, "Daniel gets to see you all the time. He knows what you look like. I've had to use my imagination." Jonas looked at Mitchell and winked.

"So, Jackson, where did all that modesty come from anyway?" He didn't want to know how much Jonas could imagine.

"Where did all that hair on your chest come from?"

"I was born with it."

"And I was born with modesty," Daniel said.

Mitchell gave him an ‘okey-dokey' look again and asked once more, "What's for breakfast?"

"Food," Jonas said as he set a mug of coffee in front of Daniel. Without asking, he took Mitchell's mug and warmed it up, then set about preparing breakfast for everyone, including a double batch of home-made waffles. "Oh, by the way, Cameron, it works again," he said casually.

"What works again?"

Daniel glanced down at his waist.

"Oh," Mitchell said. Then, "Oh! Hey, now that's what I'm talkin' about! Is that why I got those pecks on the cheek?" Daniel nodded. "And I'm cheaper than Viagra!"

Jonas busied himself preparing breakfast as Daniel and Mitchell chatted about the Ori. The washer timer buzzed and Mitchell began to rise from his chair, but Jonas was already gone to take care of it.

Mitchell sat down again. "Shit, Jackson," he whispered, "is he always doing everything for everybody like this?"

Daniel nodded. "Jonas takes good care of his friends."

Mitchell leaned forward, placing his hand on Daniel's forearm. "You hold onto him, Jackson. Don't let go of him again. You'll never find another one like him."

"I don't plan on it."

Mitchell couldn't believe the breakfast, and he inhaled as much of it as he could. There were waffles and eggs and bacon and sausage and toast and hash browns and jams and jellies and marmalades and syrups. When he finished eating, he sat back in his chair and placed his hand on his belly. "My Mom thought a good breakfast was oatmeal and cinnamon."

"I can make more if you like," Jonas offered.

Mitchell shook his head. "As good as that sounds, Jonas, I couldn't eat another bite. If you guys ever need help paying the rent. . ."

"We told you before, Cameron," Jonas said, "you're always welcome here."

"I wouldn't be so free with that invitation, Jonas. You might regret it."

"You realize, of course," Daniel joked, "the only reason you got bacon, eggs, and sausages is because you're sitting here in a towel. I can sit here naked and all I get is waffles and toast."

Mitchell laughed, then said, "Speaking of which, I think I should go see if I can still fit in my jeans." He stood up and headed for the bathroom as Jonas began to clear the table. When he returned to the kitchen, he grabbed up a dish towel and helped Jonas with the dishes.

"I can do these," Jonas said.

"And I can help," Mitchell replied. "Now shut up."

* * * * *

If it hadn't been for Judy and Andrew coming for dinner that afternoon, Jonas suspected that Cameron would have spent the entire day with them. As it was, he stayed for lunch and insisted on washing and drying the towels and bed linen he had used the night before. Jonas had to help him make the bed afterwards, though, and he could only imagine what Cameron's apartment must look like.

Jonas had spent most of the morning preparing for the evening meal while Mitchell and Daniel sat at the table and talked. By one-thirty, Mitchell was gone. Daniel and Jonas had a quick shower together and dressed, and then Daniel sat in a chair near the front window, keeping watch for Judy and Andrew, as Jonas finished his dinner preparations.

"They're here, Jonas," Daniel yelled.

Jonas appeared from the kitchen and disappeared out the door. Judy was unbuckling Andrew from his car seat.

"Hi, Jonas!" the boy shouted, his tiny face full of happy smiles. "Hurry, Mommy!"

"Don't bounce, Andrew," she said. "Sit still so I can get this buckle undone."

"Problems?" Jonas asked.

Judy looked around at him. "The buckle doesn't work very well. You have to get it just right before it releases."

Tomorrow, Jonas said to himself, Andrew gets a new car seat.

She set to work again, and there was a click. She removed the straps and Andrew climbed out of his chair, holding his arms out for Jonas, who stepped in and picked him up.

"Hi, Jonas," Andrew said again and gave his friend a big hug.

"Hi, Andrew." He looked at Judy. "You look nervous," he said. "Don't be."

She smiled weakly as she smoothed her clothing. "I'm trying, Jonas, but I've never met a. . . gay couple before."

"You'll do fine. Please, come on in."

He led the way, carrying Andrew in his arms. Judy followed. Once inside, Jonas noticed Daniel struggling to get out of the chair. He set Andrew on the floor and moved to help him. With his arm around Daniel's back, his hand hooked under Daniel's arm, he lifted. Daniel held his own arm over his stomach. It didn't do anything, but it made him feel like his insides weren't going to blow out.

"Judy?" Jonas said. "This is Daniel. Daniel? Judy."

Daniel held out his hand in greeting. "I'm very pleased to meet you, Judy."

Judy held Daniel's hand in both of hers. "And it's a pleasure to meet you. Do I call you Doctor or Mister or what?"

"Daniel's fine," he replied, and he smiled.

"Then, thank you, Daniel," Judy said. "You can't imagine what that freezer and microwave mean to us."

"It was my pleasure." Then, looking down at the young boy, he said, "And you must be Andrew. My name is Daniel."

Andrew nodded. "Did you give Jonas his heart?"

Daniel was perplexed until Jonas tapped his chest. "Oh, the necklace. Yes, I did."

"See, Mommy? I told you he was pretty. Just like Jonas."

Daniel giggled.

"Please," Jonas said. "Make yourselves at home." He led Daniel to the sofa and gently helped him sit.

Judy sat on the loveseat, but Andrew crawled up to sit in Jonas' lap as he sat beside Daniel. She looked around at all the artifacts and books. "This is such a beautiful house, Jonas. It looks like a home, but it feels like a museum, too." She looked at Daniel. "Are all these things real?"

"Yes."

"Jonas said you were an archaeologist, but I didn't imagine anything like this. I expected. . . well, I'm not sure what I expected, but it certainly wasn't this. He said you spoke a lot of languages and you were an attaché for the Air Force. I'm not sure what that means."

"It just means that I'm a government representative where languages are necessary. Sort of an ambassador. I do negotiations and such."

"Daniel has a way of being able to talk to people even if no-one else can," Jonas explained. "He can get them to understand even if he doesn't speak the language."

"Quite a talent indeed," she said.

"Thank you."

"What's that, Jonas," Andrew said, pointing.

"That's Daniel's wheelchair," Jonas said. "He needs to ride in it when we go someplace. He was hurt and he can't walk very well yet, so he has to ride."

"Can I have a ride?"

Jonas looked at Daniel. "Feel like a tour around the block?"

"Sure," Daniel said with a grin. Andrew's face lit up.

"Down you go, Sport," Jonas said, setting Andrew on the floor. He opened and locked the wheelchair and took it outside. Andrew followed. He was about to climb into the chair. "We have to wait for Daniel first, okay? Then you can sit in his lap."

"Okay, Jonas."

Jonas stepped to the door and saw Daniel approaching with Judy's support. He rushed to take her place. "Judy helped me up," Daniel said.

"He's bigger than I expected," Judy said, smiling stupidly and panting from the effort.

Outside, Jonas pulled the keys from his pocket and handed them to Judy, holding out the front door key. "Would you mind?" Judy took them and locked the door as Jonas settled Daniel into the wheelchair. He squatted in front of Andrew. "You have to promise me you'll sit very still, okay? Daniel isn't feeling well and you might hurt him if you bounce around."

Andrew nodded and crossed his heart. "I promise, Jonas."

Jonas stood, lifted Andrew effortlessly, and settled him diagonally on Daniel's left leg. Daniel's arm came around him. "Are you okay?" he asked Daniel.

"We're just fine, aren't we?" he said to the little boy.

Andrew nodded, his face full of happy smiles.

"Remember, Andrew," Jonas reminded him. "You have to sit still."

"I will."

They began their walk. Just a leisurely stroll along the tree-covered sidewalks. Judy asked questions and Daniel and Jonas took turns answering them. Jonas noted with some relief that Judy no-longer appeared nervous or uncomfortable. She didn't ask anything personal except where it might concern Andrew and accepted the fact that there were some questions neither Jonas nor Daniel could answer for ‘security reasons'.

They were half-way around the block when Andrew suddenly shouted and pointed. "Look! A racoon! See, Jonas?" He twisted around to look at Jonas and his elbow rammed into Daniel's stomach.

Daniel cringed and let out a loud, "Oof!" Andrew looked into Daniel's face, and it scared him. He started to cry and scream and he held out his arms to be picked up.

Jonas was beside him in a flash and Andrew scrambled into his arms. Jonas turned to Judy. "Andrew, please go to your Mother." Andrew screamed louder and clutched at Jonas. "Andrew, please," he said urgently, but he was surprisingly gentle with the boy. "Judy?"

Judy pulled Andrew free from Jonas, who immediately knelt in front of Daniel, his hands on Daniel's legs. Daniel was still bent over, wincing with the pain that shot through him. He was trying desperately to get his breathing under control and his arm pressed over his stomach wound. Jonas rubbed his hair, trying to calm him down. When Daniel sat back up, Jonas lifted his arm away and pulled the shirttails out of Daniel's slacks and lifted them to expose the wound. Judy moved around so she could see. She gasped when she saw the wound.

Jonas examined the wound carefully. It hadn't ruptured. Jonas looked up at his lover. "Daniel?"

"It's better now." There were three places Dr. Lam had told Jonas to check, and Daniel knew the drill. Jonas placed his fingers against Daniel's skin and pressed gently. Daniel shook his head. Jonas checked the other two spots. "No, it's fine. I'll take a pain killer when I get home if I need it."

"You sure?"

Daniel nodded. "I'm fine, Jonas. The pain's going away. He just surprised me and hit me the wrong way."

"I'm sorry, Daniel," Judy said. "I have children's chewable Aspirin if they will help." Andrew was still sobbing.

"I'm okay, Judy," Daniel said, forcing a smile. "No harm done. Now, come on. Andrew has a wheelchair ride to finish."

"Are you sure? I can carry him."

"We promised him a wheelchair ride. Come on, Andrew."

"Where would you like him?" Judy asked hesitantly.

"Where he was before is fine. I'll protect myself this time."

Judy settled Andrew on Daniel's leg again and Daniel's arm came around to hold him again. She looked into Daniel's face, into his eyes hidden behind his glasses. She saw no anger in them. No malice. She saw sincerity, and she knew at that moment that Daniel wasn't ‘putting on a show' for her. She smiled at him and stood back.

Andrew turned his head, tears still streaming down his face. "I'm sorry, Daniel. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I know, little buddy," Daniel said, wiping the tears from his cheeks. "Just don't hit me in the belly again, okay?" And he smiled.

"I won't," Andrew promised and settled his head against Daniel's shoulder.

* * * * *

Daniel was propped up on the sofa, lying back against the arm with several bedroom pillows behind him. Judy, Andrew, and Jonas were in the small guestroom.

Andrew was going through all the toys in the colourful, plastic toy box Jonas had bought, laughing and giggling. Judy looked around the room, then, while looking at Jonas, she nodded toward Andrew. Jonas nodded. "I'll redecorate it for him, of course," he said. "I'm hoping he likes blue." Judy looked around again, still nodding.

Jonas squatted down beside Andrew. "So, Sport," he said, "what do you want to play with?"

"I don't know!" Andrew screamed with glee as he rifled through all the toys, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Well, maybe you'd like to play with this." Jonas stood, opened the closet door, and pulled out a large box. Andrew stood beside him, rose onto his tiptoes, and pulled the box down to see. His eyes opened wide and his jaw dropped.

"Oh, boy!" He began to bounce up and down with excitement.

Jonas beamed down at him. A few minutes later, Jonas was on his knees in the livingroom between the sofa and loveseat. He'd moved the coffee table out of the way and was pushing the last pieces of the figure-eight railroad track into place. He hooked up the transformer, plugged it in, and set the old, black, steam locomotive on the track and attached the coal car, the box cars, the flat cars, and the caboose on the end. He sat on the floor Indian-style and Andrew clambered into the seat made by Jonas' legs.

Jonas held the throttle in front of him and pointed. "Turn this to make the train go. Not too much, okay? Just a little bit."

Andrew turned the knob and the train started forward. Smoke came out of the stack. He screamed again and bounced up and down with unbridled excitement. He turned the knob again and the train went faster. His laughs and giggles filled the room.

"Push this button," Jonas said, pointing again. Andrew did so and the train whistle blew. There was no containing Andrew's excitement and soon the entire room was caught up in it as well, laughing right along with him. Andrew turned the knob even more and the train sped up, and then it was going so fast that it tumbled right off the track on the corner.

"Who-o-o-o-a!" Andrew screamed and laughed as he scrambled to the derailed train.

Jonas glanced at Judy. She looked at him, tears of happiness in her eyes. "Thank you, Jonas," she said quietly.

Jonas just nodded and smiled.

It was only minutes later that Andrew scrambled on his knees into Jonas' lap and whispered in his ear loudly enough for everyone to hear, "I have to go poop."

Judy chuckled. "He needs help. I'll take him."

"No!" Andrew replied. "I want Jonas."

Jonas looked at Judy for permission. "Can you handle it, Jonas?"

"Trust me, Judy," Daniel said, "he can handle it."

She looked at Daniel and she realized that Daniel had probably needed help as well, and Jonas had given it to him. She nodded her consent and Jonas set off for the guest bathroom down the hall. "May I ask how serious it was, Daniel?"

"Well, the Doctor told me I shouldn't be alive."

"From one gunshot wound? I didn't think stomach wounds were deadly."

"There were four." Daniel uncharacteristically opened his shirt to show Judy the fading wounds. Pointing to his shoulder, he said, "This one passed through and came out the other side. There's another in my leg."

Judy put her fingers to her lips, stifling her shock.

"Jonas is a good man, Judy," he said sincerely as he buttoned his shirt. "He wouldn't give up on me. I was unconscious for a week, and he wouldn't leave my side. When I finally woke up, I couldn't move and I could barely even talk. Jonas wouldn't leave alone. He fed me, he washed me, he shaved me, he brushed my teeth, he did everything, including bedpan duty. I'm still alive because of him. He'll take care of Andrew the same way. Today isn't a ‘show', Judy. What you see is Jonas. That's the way he is."

Judy was quiet for a moment. "I know. I envy you, Daniel. Everyone should be as lucky as you."

"And Andrew will be just as lucky if you decide to make Jonas his Godfather. Don't let who we are sway your decision. You won't find anyone more willing or better able to take care of your son than Jonas."

Andrew came tearing back into the livingroom and dropped to the floor with a loud ‘plunk'.

"We'll need wall-to-wall, Daniel," Jonas said. "I don't want Andrew taking face dives on a hardwood floor."

"You're the decorator," Daniel said. "Order it up. Just pick something that's easy to vacuum and doesn't clash with my eyes."

"Just like that?" Judy asked. "You're installing wall-to-wall carpeting?"

"Why not?" Daniel said. "Can't have my new little buddy getting splinters." He looked at Andrew, who was looking at him. "Right, little buddy?" he said, giving him a ‘thumbs up'.

"Right, big buddy," Andrew said with a grin, sticking his own little thumb into the air.

A little later, Jonas said, "Time to pack it up, Sport," he said. "I have to get dinner ready." He pointed to the shelf near the television. "You go over there and look at the DVDs on the bottom shelf and find some cartoons to watch while I'm busy, okay?"

As Andrew looked through the DVDs, Jonas packed up the train and carried it back to the guestroom. When he returned, Andrew was holding out a DVD. "Can I watch this one?"

"Sure," Jonas said and set everything up and turned it on. He handed the remote to Daniel.

"Can I sit with you?" Andrew asked Daniel. "I won't hit you again, I promise."

"You sure can, little buddy," Daniel said, and Jonas lifted him into place. Andrew settled his head on Daniel's shoulder.

Instinctively, Jonas leaned forward to kiss Daniel, but caught himself and pulled away. He turned to Judy. "Sorry," he said.

"That's okay," Judy said. "Go ahead if you want to."

"Are you sure?"

She nodded. "I'd like to see Andrew's reaction."

Jonas smiled and nodded, then turned to Daniel again, leaned down, and gave him his kiss. When he pulled away, Andrew was grinning and his arms were reaching out. "Me, now, Jonas!" he said, and Jonas kissed him as well.

"Just call if you need me," Jonas said to Daniel.

"We'll be fine," Daniel assured him. His left arm was lying protectively over his stomach.

When he looked back at Judy, she was smiling. "I'll help you in the kitchen," she said.

As soon as she was out of sight and out of hearing range of her son, Judy broke down and cried. Jonas pulled her into his arms. "Hey, hey. What's wrong?" he asked.

Judy quickly gained control of herself and wiped at the tears on her face. "I'm sorry, Jonas" she laughed foolishly.

"That's okay," Jonas said soothingly. He grabbed a box of nearby Kleenex and held it out to her. "What just happened there?"

Judy wiped at her face with the tissues. "It's been so hard for me. I've tried my best to give Andrew everything I can. In one afternoon, you've made him happier than I've ever seen him before. And he's taken to Daniel like he took to you." She leaned forward, stretching herself upward to kiss Jonas on the cheek. "I don't know how to thank you."

"You just did," Jonas replied.

Jonas smiled, his deep dimples reassuring. "Daniel's a good man, Judy. You don't have to worry about him. I trust my life to him, and I'd trust Andrew's life to him as well."

Judy nodded. "He showed me the bullet holes. He wasn't shot in the rescue attempt. He was shot so you wouldn't be, wasn't he? He was willing to die to save you."

"Yes."

"And I get the feeling he'd do the same for Andrew."

"He'd do the same for anybody, Judy. That's just the way Daniel is."

Judy's eyes flashed back and forth between Jonas' eyes. "Your love is real, isn't it? I mean, you love him and he loves you as much as I could love someone?"

"Yes, Judy, it's the same."

Andrew began to laugh hysterically for a moment, and Judy peeked around the corner in time to see Andrew reach up to Daniel's face, pull it toward him, and plant a kiss on the cheek. Then he settled his head into the crook of Daniel's neck. Daniel didn't know Judy was watching when he turned his head to kiss Andrew's hair before settling back again to watch the cartoons.

* * * * *

Dinner was ready, the dinning room table was covered with different foods, including a plate of boiled hotdogs and a basket full of hotdog buns. Daniel sat at one end. Judy sat on the side next to him and Andrew sat beside her. Jonas sat at the other end. But Andrew would have none of it. He pushed his plate closer to Jonas' plate, climbed down from his chair, and climbed up into Jonas' lap. "I want to sit here," he said matter-of-factly.

Jonas looked helplessly at Judy, smiled, and shrugged. What could he do?

Andrew didn't eat much more than hotdogs with a squirt of ketchup on them. Judy revelled in the array of other foods and sampled a bit of each. It had probably been awhile since she had eaten as well as she did.

Part-way through the meal, she set down her fork and said, "I've made a decision, Jonas." Jonas looked at her intently. "I want you to be Andrew's Godfather."

Jonas grinned.

"But. . ." she added. Then she looked at Daniel. "I want you to be his Godfather, too."

"Me?" Daniel said, surprised.

"Yes. When Jonas first told me about the two of you, I was frightened. I couldn't imagine leaving Andrew with a couple of. . . um. . ."

"I understand," Daniel said.

"I apologize. I shouldn't even have said that. But now that I've met you, and I've seen how you deal with Andrew, and the way he's taken to you as well, I don't want him to be with anyone else other than the two of you."

"I would be honoured, Judy," Daniel smiled. He looked at Andrew, who was still stuffing a hotdog into his mouth. "He's a good kid."

"Jonas would be the primary custodian, you understand," Judy continued. "He would make all the decisions concerning Andrew's welfare. But I want to make you legally responsible for him as well."

"Mommy?" Andrew said. "Jonas is a good cooker. Can we come to eat here again?"

Jonas gave him a quick hug. "You can come here any time you want, Sport."

Andrew looked up and smiled. "I like it when you call me Sport. Can I sleep here sometimes, too?"

Jonas glanced at Judy, who nodded her assent. "Sure you can. Remember where I showed you all your toys?" Andrew nodded. "That's going to be your bedroom now."

Andrew scrambled around to face Jonas, his face all smiles and sparkles. "You mean I have my own bedroom?"

"It's all yours. I'm going to paint it all up nice for you."

Andrew kissed Jonas on the lips. "I love you, Jonas."

"I love you, too, Sport," Jonas laughed happily. "Now eat your hotdog or no dessert."

Andrew turned around again and attacked his hotdog.

After dinner, as Daniel and Andrew watched more cartoons, with Andrew curled up once in Daniel's arms, Judy made a list of all Andrew's clothing sizes and favourite brands. Jonas assured Judy that, when Andrew came for a visit, he wouldn't need to bring anything but himself. He would have everything he needed here.

By the time they were finished, they went back to the livingroom to find Andrew sound asleep on Daniel's chest.

* * * * *

That night, in bed, Jonas said, "Do you mind a late dinner tomorrow night? I want to stop and get the paint and stuff to do Andrew's room. And I want to get him a new car seat. The one he has isn't safe."

"I think I'll manage," Daniel said. "I'm sure Mrs. McCreary will stay a bit longer, or Sam or Cameron can come over. You're really excited about this, aren't you?"

Jonas gave Daniel a kiss. "You're the only person in the world who's more important to me than Andrew."

Daniel kissed him back. "You're going to make a damned good Godfather, Jonas Quinn."

"And so will you, Daniel Jackson." They kissed once again, but this time, the kiss went on and on.

To Be Continued​

 

[harry113]

Thank you Neil,
Once again you've excelled yourself.
However do you keep the stories separate in your mind???
This is great
Harry

 

[gsdx]

However do you keep the stories separate in your mind???

I don't know. I've got 2 other stories on the go as well.

I'll be posting the final chapter of Aftermath soon. Then I'll have only 3 stories to keep separate.

 

[gsdx]

Chapter 33
INTO THE FUTURE​

Jonas and Daniel met Judy and Andrew at her lawyer's office on Wednesday morning to sign the papers. At Jonas' request, Sam had attended as a witness. Judy's mother witnessed the signing as well. She was uncertain about Judy's decision to select these two men as Godfathers for her grandson, but they certainly had to be better than Charles and his family. With the papers signed, Jonas now had full authority over Andrew's care and well-being if Judy were unavailable or incapacitated in any way. If anything worse were to happen, Jonas would have full and permanent custody of Andrew.

By Friday evening, when Judy dropped Andrew off for his first weekend visit with Jonas and Daniel, Andrew's bedroom was finished. Painted in fun but restful shades of blue, it was a cheery room and Jonas was certain Andrew would like it. One wall, the one behind which Andrew's new bed rested, was a mural of an old steam locomotive and train passing through the Rocky Mountains.

Sam, Cameron and Teal'c had been a big help in aiding him, and even Daniel had done what he could from his wheelchair. Jonas had messed up the first mural when he tried to do it himself, but, with Sam's help, he succeeded with the second set which he had had to buy again. Andrew's newly-painted dresser, adorned with ‘little boy' decals, was stuffed with new clothes. He could change twenty times each day and still not run out of different things to put on. His bed, in the shape of a bright blue car, was prepared with Andrew's favourite Star Wars blankets, and matching Star Wars curtains covered the windows. A small bookshelf and chair sat in one corner, the shelf filled with more books than Andrew had probably ever seen outside the library. A reading lamp sat on a small table near the chair and an automatic, train-shaped nightlight was plugged into the wall nearby.

Judy stood in the doorway with Daniel and Jonas, watching as her son walked into his room. She had expected him to be a lot more excited than he was, but he simply walked slowly, looking around, and stopped at the end of the bed. His tiny hand ran over the blankets, and he looked up at the mountains and train. He looked everywhere. He touched everything. The trio watched and waited, and then Andrew, standing in the middle of the room, turned to look at them.

"Is this my bedroom?" he asked.

"It's all yours, Sport," Jonas said. "No-one else's."

Andrew sprinted toward the door and leapt into Jonas' arms. Jonas was barely able to prepare himself for the assault, but caught the boy in mid air. "Thank you, Jonas," he said happily, and gave him a big, sloppy kiss on the cheek. His mother wiped at the tears in her eyes. Andrew saw this and said, "Are you sad, Mommy?"

"No, Sweetie," she said as she smiled and rubbed Andrew's back with the palm of her hand. "I'm very happy." She kissed her son, and then she kissed both Jonas and Daniel on the cheeks. "Thank you," she said.

There was only one moment of panic and concern that weekend. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Jonas and Daniel were awakened by terrified and terrifying screams. Jonas was out of bed in a flash, grabbing his robe, and sprinting to Andrew's bedroom. He flipped on the light and found Andrew sitting up in bed, screaming and crying. At the sight of Jonas, his arms came up and he began to scramble out from under the blankets onto his knees. Jonas was there in a moment, gathering Andrew into his arms and cuddling him. He was still cuddling him when Daniel appeared in the doorway.

"Is he okay?"

"He's scared," Jonas replied. Andrew was clutching at his chest. "He probably woke up and didn't know where he was. He'll be okay." Jonas sat on the bed. Daniel joined him. Together, they soothed Andrew and calmed him down.

"Can I sleep with you?" Andrew finally asked in a small, weak voice.

"Sorry, Sport," Jonas answered gently. "You have to sleep here. But I'll lie down with you until you go to sleep, okay? I'll leave your door open and I'll leave a light on in the living room, okay?"

Andrew nodded against Jonas' chest. "Okay."

"Do you need to go to the bathroom?"

"Yes."

When they returned to the bedroom, Daniel was still there. Jonas had left the bathroom light on. "Do you need help getting back to the bedroom?" Jonas asked, still holding Andrew in his arms.

"No. I'll turn on the table lamp." He rubbed Andrew's hair and kissed his cheek. "Goodnight, Little Buddy," he said.

"Nite, Daniel," Andrew said, but his eyes were already struggling to stay open.

Jonas kissed Daniel ‘goodnight' again and said softly, "I'll be in soon."

Daniel left and Jonas pulled back the blankets, laid Andrew in his bed, and pulled the blankets over him. He lay down next him, his hand resting on Andrew's side, and watched as his new charge drifted swiftly off to sleep.

The next morning, Jonas was awakened by a tiny hand shaking his shoulder and a not-too-quiet voice calling his name. He rolled away from Daniel and saw Andrew staring at him. "I'm hungry, Jonas," he said.

Jonas smiled at him. "Okey dokey, Sport. I'll be right with you." He turned to Daniel, who was rubbing his eyes. "Go back to sleep. I'll make your breakfast when you wake up."

Daniel smiled. "I didn't know parenthood started so early in the morning."

Jonas smiled back at him. "Little boys don't use an alarm clock."

"Just kiss me and feed the kid," Daniel said, and Jonas did.

That afternoon, Daniel was sitting on the sofa reading when the phone rang.

"Hello," he said cheerfully.

"Hello, Daniel, It's Judy."

"Hi, Judy," he said. "Checking up on Andrew?"

"Not really," she replied. "I was just wondering how he was managing. If there were any problems."

"Nothing serious. He woke up last night screaming. He didn't know where he was. We were ready for that."

"He's okay then?"

"Oh, sure," Daniel said. "He's in the kitchen with Jonas right now making chocolate chip cookies."

Loud bursts of laughter came from the kitchen. "Is that him?" Judy asked.

Daniel started to chuckle as he looked at the kitchen door.

"What's going on?" Judy asked.

"Flour is floating out of the kitchen," Daniel laughed. "I think we have a food fight going on in there."

"Oh, no!"

"Relax, Judy. Jonas is having just as much fun as Andrew."

"But the mess. . ."

". . .is for Jonas to clean up. Oops. Here come the chocolate chips. Would you like to talk to him?"

"I'd love to," Judy said.

Daniel lowered the phone. "Jonas!" he shouted. "Judy wants to talk to Andrew!" A moment later, he began to laugh as Andrew appeared on the run, his face and hair and shirt white with flour. A moment after that, Daniel burst into hysterics when he saw Jonas pulling chocolate chips out of his nose. It hurt to laugh so hard, but it was certainly worth it.

Judy arrived Sunday evening for dinner and had Andrew's home-made chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Andrew was sad to go home, but happy knowing that he could come back the next weekend.

"We had the best time, Judy," Jonas assured her when she was concerned that Andrew would become a bothersome pest. He was holding Andrew in his arms. "We had a whole lot of fun, didn't we, Sport?"

"Jonas was in his element, Judy," Daniel said. "And we still have lots more books to read to him and lots more cartoons and movies to watch, don't we, Little Buddy?"

"You bet, Big Buddy!"

* * * * *

Less than a week later, Daniel had his first orgasm. Cameron heard it. He'd been there visiting with Daniel when Jonas came home from work and, of course, Jonas had invited him to stay for dinner. He'd stayed the night at Jonas' insistence considering the amount of beer he'd drank, and had stripped down, climbed into the bed, and fell quickly asleep.

He was sitting at the kitchen table, dressed only in his underwear, and sipping coffee when he heard it. He could only imagine what Jonas was doing to him to make him moan and groan like that.

"Oh, God, Jonas!" he heard. "Take it! Take it!" And then, "Fuck! Take it, Jonas! Jona-a-a-a-as!"

Whatever Jonas was doing, and Mitchell didn't have a difficult task imagining it, Daniel's toenails were curling. He could feel his underwear getting tighter. He looked down at his crotch, his growing cock pushing and stretching the cotton material. He gave it a loving rub with his fingertips and said, "Sorry, pal. I'll take care of you when I get home." He shook his head, smiling. "Ain't love grand?" he said to himself. He reached into his underwear and angled his cock toward his right hip. The waistband snapped around his cockhead when he pulled his hand back out.

He finished his first mug of coffee and went to the counter to get another. When he turned back to his chair, Jonas was standing at the end of the table, one hand holding the back of a chair. He was wrapped in his green bathrobe. He stared into Cameron's pale, blue eyes, and then down to the tan Jockeys he was wearing. Mitchell was aware that he was still hard, but he couldn't move. He just stood there, holding the coffee mug in his hand.

Jonas looked into his eyes again, then slowly walked forward until he was standing right in front of him. His hand came up, cupping the long tube of flesh in his palm. Mitchell felt his cock jump and he closed his eyes. He knew he shouldn't be allowing this to happen, but it had been so long since anyone had touched him like that. His balls wouldn't allow his mouth to say ‘stop'.

He opened his eyes again. Jonas was still staring at him. "What about Daniel?" he whispered.

Jonas look up into his handsome, rugged face. "Daniel wants this as much as I do, Cameron. I was just lucky enough to get to you first." He dropped slowly to his knees in front of Cameron Mitchell. Cameron's hand shook as he set the mug on the counter. Coffee splashed to the floor and onto his bare leg and food. He ignored it.

Jonas' hands were on Cameron's hips now, his fingers splayed, his thumbs pressing against the sides of his balls. Mitchell closed his eyes again as Jonas leaned forward, capturing the rod between his lips. The heat from Jonas' breath burned into him and a shiver of excitement shot out of his balls and up his spine. When Jonas' lips wrapped around his cotton-clad cockhead, Cameron let out a long, happy ‘mmmmmm'.

Jonas began to chew at him, his lips and tongue soaking his underwear from the outside while his own abundant pre-cum soaked it from the inside. Jonas discovered it and tasted it with his tongue. He wanted more. His fingertips moved to the waistband of Cameron's Jockeys, hooking into them, lifting them away, and pulling them down. The moment the smooth, solid cockhead came into view, Jonas' mouth found it, pulling it inside. Cameron opened his eyes and looked down. He watched as Jonas pulled his underwear down, his mouth following. He watched as his entire shaft was drawn into the willing mouth, then effortlessly taken into the more-than-willing throat.

Cameron's hands moved to Jonas' shoulders as he felt his underwear being pushed down to his feet. He stepped out of them and kicked them aside. Right or wrong, he couldn't have stopped what was happening even if he wanted to. Jonas pulled back until his lips met the cock ridge, his mouth suctioning and almost pulling the juice right out of his balls. Never had he felt anything like this. And then Jonas slammed down on him until his entire cock was once again sunk deep inside his handsome friend. He could feel Jonas' face pressing into his hair-covered belly, and he moved one hand to his chest and began caressing his own pecs.

He noticed movement and looked up. Daniel was standing there in the doorway now, looking at him. Daniel just stood there, watching his lover make love to one of his best friends. Cameron noticed other movement, and he looked down Daniel's terrycloth robe to just below the belt. It began to tent out, Daniel's cock hardening and pushing at the material. Then he watched in surprise and amazement as Daniel's hands rose to the belt, tugged it loose, and opened his robe. He pushed it off his shoulders and let it fall to the floor. Daniel's hardon led the way as he approached.

Daniel stopped beside the couple, staring into Cameron's eyes for a moment or two, before leaning in to give him a kiss. Cameron reacted, kissing him back and becoming very energetic in it. Their tongues searched each other's mouths, fighting for the taste of each other. Daniel's hand came to Mitchell's chest, pushing his own hand away and taking over the caressing, Daniel's fingers running through the dark hair there.

Daniel pulled away, leaving Cameron gasping for breath. And then he smiled and winked. He slowly sank to his knees beside his lover, his hand travelling down Cameron's body and coming to rest beneath his balls. Daniel cradled them for a moment, then leaned in and teased them with his tongue. Mitchell quivered with excitement. He couldn't believe what was happening. His best friends were worshipping his body, and he loved it.

Daniel's tongue and lips left Mitchell's balls and his right hand wrapped around Mitchell's cock when Jonas pulled away to the head. Daniel tugged lightly and Jonas released it. Another light tug had Cameron turning his body toward Daniel. Daniel sucked the cock inside his mouth, taking it as easily as Jonas had, until it was captured deep inside his throat.

Cameron closed his eyes. He felt hands on his ass cheeks, and then he felt Jonas' lips and tongue. They teased and played, and they traced his ass-crack from top to bottom. And then he felt Jonas face pressing into it. The tongue touched his flesh, then pushed itself in as hands pulled the cheeks apart. The tongue touched his button and pushed inside. Cameron opened his mouth to scream, but nothing came out.

He jerked open his eyes. The room was bright, but it took a moment for him to remember where he was. Cameron Mitchell lay in the guestroom bed in his best friends' home. His hand moved to his crotch and he felt the hardon there. "Wow!" he thought. "What a dream!" It had been a long time since he'd had one like that, and it had surprised him. But it made him smile to himself, too.

Still, something had encouraged that dream. He was certain he'd heard Daniel's voice calling out. What was it he'd heard? Yes, he remembered now. "God, Jonas! It doesn't hurt! Go!" And then he'd heard the grunts and groans of ecstacy. It had brought him partially out of his sleep, but not far enough to keep him there.

He had to piss. Real bad. All those beers were backing up on him. His cock was softening quickly, the urge to piss stronger than the urge to cum. He threw back the covers and slid his legs out of bed, sitting on the side and reaching down for his underwear. They weren't there. He looked quickly around, but there was no clothes to be found. "Shit!" he said quietly, but his bladder was shouting at him.

He had no choice. He hurried out the door, down the hall to the bathroom door, and inside. Jonas was standing there, pouring laundry detergent into the plastic measuring cap.

Jonas smiled at him. "Morning, Cameron. I didn't wake you up, did I?" Cameron shook his head ‘no' and looked beyond Jonas to the toilet. "I saw your door open and thought. . ."

Cameron put his hands on Jonas' shoulders and pushed his way past. "Keep talkin'," he said. "I can piss and listen." He rushed to the toilet, getting there just in time to let fly. It splashed noisily into the water.

"Oh, sorry," Jonas said apologetically and went back to his duties. "I was saying that I saw your door open and just went to check to see if you'd gone home. You were still asleep and I saw your clothes all over the floor. . ."

"They were in a pile!"

"Yeah. A pile all over the floor," Jonas laughed. "I thought I'd wash them for you like you did last time."

"Thanks."

Jonas dumped the detergent into the machine and closed the lid. He set the timer and pushed the button. He could see Cameron shaking the last drops of piss from his dick, then flushing. He watched as Cameron moved to the shower and set the faucets.

"Breakfast will be ready in about twenty minutes."

"Thanks," Mitchell said.

He was just about to step inside when Jonas spoke again. "Hey, Cameron?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't have to use my imagination anymore if you want me to do that sketch."

Cameron looked down at himself, then back up again at his smiling friend. "Do me a favour?" He held his hand up, his index finger and thumb separated a knuckle's width. "Could you imagine about this much more?"

Jonas laughed and Mitchell winked. Mitchell decided it was best not to mention to Jonas about the drop of cum his chin. Jonas left, closing the door behind him.

As he stepped into the shower, Mitchell thought back to the dream, and he smiled to himself. "Maybe some day," he thought. He felt his cock rising again. He watched it until it stood out solid and straight from his body. He wrapped his hand around it, smiled again, and said out loud, "Yup. Some day soon, pal, you just might feel better than this."

He slid the door closed and got to work.

When Mitchell came out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, he was hit with the wonderful aroma of Jonas' cooking. He followed his nose to the kitchen where Jonas was pouring him a mug of coffee. Daniel was sitting in his usual place, dressed in his blue housecoat.

"The waffles smell different," Mitchell said. "Spicy. Fruity."

"Apple and cinnamon," Jonas explained, setting the mug of coffee in front of his friend. "I've never made them before. I hope they're okay."

"Jonas," Mitchell said, "you could make rubber tires taste good." He noticed the stray drop of cum was now gone.

As Mitchell prepared his coffee, Daniel asked, "So, how'd you sleep?"

"Like a baby," Mitchell replied. "I didn't even hear Jonas come into the room and pick up my clothes."

"That's good," Daniel said.

Mitchell took a noisy sip from his mug, exhaled his delight, set the mug down, then looked under the table. When he didn't look back up, Daniel said, "What are you looking at?"

Mitchell sat back up. "Just trying to see if your toenails were still curled." He saw the piece of toast coming from Daniel's hand and managed to duck it. He didn't see the waffle coming from Jonas.

* * * * *

The Ori were becoming more and more of a menace. With the threat of the Replicators eliminated and the threat of the Goa'uld virtually so, SG-1 was anxious to get Dr. Daniel Jackson back on the team. They desperately needed his help.

The morning of Daniel's first orgasm since being shot - that very same morning Mitchell had barged into the bathroom to find Jonas standing there - had marked the beginning of his return to SG-1. His recovery continued at a rapid pace. Jonas began working full-time, and Mitchell ate at their place several times per week. Andrew became a semi-regular weekend fixture in the Jackson-Quinn household. He had begun calling Daniel ‘Uncle Daniel', but he still called Jonas by his first name only.

The day came when Dr. Lam cleared Daniel for active duty. No-one was happier than Daniel, except maybe everyone else at Stargate Command. His absence had left a big hole in the operation. Their odds against the Ori suddenly looked better.

Between Daniel and Jonas, the new Mayan/Egyptian language was deciphered, but the ruins really gave no clues as to what had happened there except that two different Goa'uld had transplanted humans there at two different times. They simply learned to get along and created their own, new language. Nyan still led the research for more ruins and, with hope, more clues. With Daniel's alphabet, Nyan was now able to read the ruins himself.

It was just after a young Ascended being, Orlin - a younger version of the Orlin who had befriended Samantha Carter so long ago - had offered his services in battling the Ori that Daniel Jackson sat in his lab, busily examining and translating a number of scrolls.

"Hi, Daniel."

Daniel looked up. Jonas stood there in the doorway. He stood up and circled his desk as Jonas approached. They met, fell into each other's arms, and kissed.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his hands resting limply on Jonas' shoulders and Jonas' hands resting on Daniel's hips. "I told you I'd be home at six." He looked at his watch. "Oops. Deja vu?"

Jonas laughed at the memory. "Don't worry, Dr. Jackson. I have a picnic basket and a nice, comfy blanket waiting topside."

Daniel's brows raised with intent interest. "Really?"

"Yes. And it's a nice night out. Full moon. Lots of stars. Very romantic."

"Hmmm. I am a bit hungry."

"I'm brought dessert with me."

Daniel kissed him. "My favourite, I hope?"

"I packed extra," Jonas said with a wink. "At least two helpings."

Daniel kissed him again. "Can't pass up an offer like that."

"I'm hungry, too, you know."

"You know me, Jonas. I do whatever I can to keep my man fed. Should I change clothes?"

Jonas shrugged. "Doesn't matter. You won't be in them long anyway." Jonas kissed him. Then, looking into his pale, blue eyes, he took off Daniel's glasses and looked into his eyes again.

"I love you, Daniel Jackson.

"And I love you, Jonas Quinn."

One more kiss, and then Daniel and Jonas walked out of Daniel's office, hand-in-hand. Whatever the future might bring to them, they would face it together. . . hand-in-hand. And their future would begin right now - with a picnic.

The End​

 

[harry113]

Neil, Thank you so much for a wonderful & entertaining story.
You are a master at putting in those little twists that prevent a reader from guessing
where the story will end up. You have a great talent, which I sincerely hope you will
continue to share with all of us who don't have that talent, but who so enjoy reading
the posts of both you & all the authors on JUB.
Peace & Love
Harry

 

[gsdx]

Thanks, Harry. I really wanted to get Cameron in there somehow. I've received a number of PMs asking for it. But I couldn't make it work anywhere or any way. I think I figured out the only way it could have worked.

And, it leaves a whole lot of future for them all. Who knows. . . eh?

 

[dcarmau]

Neil, I found this story via your Watching Brad one. Apart from the fact that "Stargate" is probably copyrighted to oblivion, You could totally sell this story and the one from whence it came.That was an excellent way to have Cameron Mitchell in on the action too. keep up the good work!

 

[gsdx]

As I've discovered through writing this story and the original one as well, they are called 'slash'. I didn't know what they were called, but I was well aware of all the 'slash' stories on the net involving Jack and Daniel, and none of them ever seemed real to me. They were little more than hardcore porn with Jack's name substituting for 'Guy 1' and Daniel substituting for 'Guy 2', and they were often thrown into unbelievable situations. If I don't believe the story can happen, especially one based on characters know to a lot of people, I don't enjoy reading it. It was more important to me to have a reason for Daniel and Jonas to fall in love, and it was important to me to get Cam in on the action as well without making the story just another piece of 'slash' writing.

They were fun stories to write. I suppose I should actually read them now.