Visits

Part 6

Joy

Two months had passed since Jason had been shot. His recovery at Daniel's had been short and very sweet, but afterwards, also very frustrating. Just as soon as Jason was given a clean bill of health from Janet, he and Daniel had looked forward to a long night of lovemaking. Unfortunately, their professional lives intruded and for two months, their teams had gone through one mission after another.

The two were able to grab private moments between missions, but they were on base and those short moments were only long enough for deep, passionate kisses. As a result, they'd begun to leave each other notes...encrypted read-between-the-lines notes, but they'd served to ease their minds and given each other a buffer. They missed each other terribly, but made themselves concentrate on the tasks at hand. If it hadn't been for the Goa'uld, they would have found more time to be together, but the Goa'uld always managed to make things so damn dire...and much too serious.

Daniel was in his office, finally able to take a break. The rush of missions was finally over...for now. He sat at his desk, working on the usual, when a sudden memory from two days earlier entered his mind. He'd just gotten back from their latest mission and had been preparing to sit down to write up his report...

He wanted to go see Jason in the gear up room before he and SG-2 moved out for their next mission, but he was so damn tired he had to push himself out of his chair. Forcing his legs to move, he started for the door when he was confronted by the very man he'd been going to find.

"Hey, Jace, I was just heading on down to see you," he breathed in relief, and Jason noted the tiredness in his voice. He guided Daniel back into his office, his body language indicating he was in no hurry. He carefully shut the door, then pressed the lock mechanism. Daniel looked down at it, then up into Jason's tired but smiling eyes.

"Hey Daniel. The camera still out of order in here?" he asked in a soft voice.

Daniel eyed him. Jason knew it was so what was he asking f--. Then Daniel got it. Jason wanted to have a little game of Hunter and Innocent Prey...even if it never lasted long...the 'innocent' part, that is. Daniel could never act his part out for long and Jason didn't mind. It was the brief moment, the thrill. And why not? They took what they could get. Daniel tried to hide his smile.

"Yeah, it's locked, but you know tha--"

Jason pulled him into his arms, cupped his head and kissed him with ferocious intensity as he moved them both abruptly against the door. Jason's mouth seemed to consume him just as his hands explored as much of him as he could. Daniel met his passionate embrace as hands searched and found, caressed and groped; rough touches smoothing out to softer ones as the kiss reluctantly gentled. Jason opened his eyes and looked into Daniel's darkened expression.

"I wish we had more time. I'd fuck you right here." His voice was husky, filled with want.

"Me, too...to both," Daniel replied in a breathless, needy whisper. "When will you be back?"

"Should only be a few days, four at the most. Supposed to have some downtime after that, but it might not last long. Right now, I'd settle for one night."

"Know what you mean," and Daniel pulled him into another round of deep soul-kissing and frenzied touches. Five minutes later, Jason was pulling away, his heartbeat racing, knowing it was time to go.

"I love you, Daniel," and he kissed him once more, very tenderly, before he was gone.

What he'd said had bothered Daniel, whispered against his ear before Jason had disappeared through the door. Jason hadn't even given him a chance to respond. Daniel's mind reeled for several hours afterwards, wondering what it was about his words that bugged him. Jason loved him, and he knew that, just as he loved him back. For two days, it had bugged Daniel and that morning, Daniel had realized what had been wrong. It had been Jason's tone of voice. After realizing that, Daniel had tried to figure out what the tone meant, and then it had hit him. Jason thought the chances were high that he and his team would not make it through their mission alive. The realization scared the hell out of Daniel and he found himself unable to concentrate for long periods. He'd get going for an hour, then get distracted by the memory of that visit two days before.

Daniel knew there was risk when they went through the gate, but when the risk was higher than normal, sometimes things were said or done in order to prepare others. Wills were commonplace at the SGC. A sad fact...but necessary. Most of the time, the risk was his own. Daniel never normally worried about others except his own team. There was something he could do within the team, to help get them back alive. Now, things were different. He had no such way of helping Jason unless their teams were on a combined mission, which was rare. It had slowly dawned on Daniel that even with the knowledge of risk, his strong relationship with Jason increased his fear and worry every time Jason and his team went through the gate. He had tried not to let it bother him, but it was futile. He could no more prevent that than he could stop loving the man.

Because of his worry, Daniel became preoccupied for most of the day, able to concentrate on his work for only ten or so minutes at a time without thinking about Jason. He should have had the chance to tell Jason he loved him back.

He was interrupted from his thoughts when Jack came knocking.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"What's up?"

Jack didn't sit down and he looked a little edgy. He gave Daniel one of his I-don't-want-to-tell-you looks and Daniel dropped his pen.

"What?" he asked, trying not to panic as he attempted to prepare himself for whatever bomb Jack was going to drop.

Jack sighed deeply. "We have to head out again. SG-1 is needed for a rescue mission." He looked at Daniel with something more than the wish for a much-needed break. Daniel eyed him suspiciously.

"What else? Normally, rescue missions don't involve an archaeologist so I must be needed as a linguist."

"Yeah, this rescue mission is on a Goa'uld-occupied world."

Now it was Daniel's turn to sigh deeply. Fuck. Would they ever get a break from these bastards?

"When do we leave?" he asked tiredly.

"We have to get geared up in our black uniforms, then head out as soon as Jacob gets here."

"The covert uniforms? So it's more than just a rescue...and since Jacob's involved, that means the Tok'ra?"

There was a team out attempting to rescue a Tok'ra spy, but Daniel didn't know which team it was. He suddenly wished he'd asked Jason what their mission was about...then his eyes widened and Jack gave Daniel a deeper look of concern.

Oh shit.

"SG-2 is on the Goa'uld planet?" Daniel half-shouted as he stood rapidly, almost knocking down his chair. "Why the fuck didn't you just say so? Goddamn it, Jack!" He shut his books, turned off his computer, then grabbed his stuff and headed to the door. He did it so fast that Jack just stood there in amazement.

"Well? Let's go," Daniel said, making an ushering motion with his hand. Jack stepped out and Daniel locked his office and followed Jack to the gear-up room.

As they got dressed for the mission, Daniel asked Jack why they were getting into covert gear. Jack told him that it was because the Goa'uld weren't familiar with the uniforms and said uniforms displayed no patches to identify them. Daniel reminded Jack that their weapons were enough to give their identity away to those Goa'uld that knew about them. Jack had started to argue with him, then gave up.

"Well, we are famous after all," he said instead.

"You mean infamous," Daniel corrected with a crooked grin.

"Yeah....whatever, smart ass."

SG-1, minus Daniel, stood with Jacob Carter in the gateroom, waiting for the gate to finish dialing. Daniel came rushing in, looking just like he had when they'd secretly gated to K'lorel's ship four years before, with two exceptions: his hair was much shorter now and he wasn't wearing the black knit cap. Instead, he'd wrapped a black bandana around his head.

Jack was now looking at Daniel with irritation as he came walking up to him. "Two questions, Daniel. One, why are you late, you were just behind me in the infirmary, and two, how many colors of bandanas do you have?"

"Jeez, Jack, I'm amazed you got all that out in one breath," Daniel replied with another crooked grin. Jack gave him the evil eye, knowing damn well that it never worked on Daniel. "Jack...one, I had to go get my glasses because my new contacts haven't come in yet. Two," and he counted off on his fingers, "black, green, beige, desert camouflage and forest camouflage. Anything else?"

"Smart ass," Jack said in a soft growl, but his eyes were smiling at him. Sam and Teal'c watched and listened, happy as hell that their team was once again a cohesive unit. Despite the hard two months they'd just gone through, it had been relatively easy as a team.

"Jack, how did we find out that SG-2 were in trouble?" Daniel asked as he put on his glasses.

Jack looked over at Sam, deferring to her to give Daniel the answer. "SG-2 sent the signal, Daniel, but no one came through and the gate shut off. General Hammond had the planet dialed up, and when we couldn't contact them by radio, we knew something was wrong. Since the mission involved a Tok'ra, we called in my father," and she smiled at her father, Jacob, who smiled in return. He then looked over at Daniel and nodded his greeting. Daniel returned the nod, noting that Jacob was staying in his Tok'ra clothing, as usual.

Another team came walking into the gateroom just then and Daniel also noted that other various SG team members had been coming in to hang around the back, silently seeing off the rescuers. He then looked over at their accompanying rescue team, three of whom he'd met before. It was the SG-3 marine unit, under the new command of a Colonel Blake, accompanied by regular members Lt. Scott and Sgt's Graham and Jones, all in their black gear and ready for the mission.

Jack gestured at Daniel, Jacob, Sam, and Teal'c, then pointed to SG-3's leader. "Daniel, Jake, Carter, T, this is Colonel Blake, new head of SG-3."

Colonel Blake, a very serious-looking man with buzzed hair, nodded to Jack, then acknowledged Jacob, Teal'c, and Sam. He gave no such respectful acknowledgement to Daniel and instead gave him a measured look. Daniel was immediately given the impression that this new commander didn't think much of him and Daniel had come to expect that from new members posted to the SGC. They didn't really see the need for civilians and it always took a bit of time for their attitudes to change, sometimes forcefully on occasion. Daniel could see their point sometimes, when his presence on some missions was practically for decoration, and because of that, he wouldn't miss an opportunity to bitch about it. This was definitely not one of those times, since it was SG-2 they were going to rescue and there was no way in hell he would stay home. Without effort, Daniel let his eyes slide off Blake as if he were nothing and easily ignored the man's prejudice.

Jack smiled at his reaction to Blake, but his countenance still showed that he wasn't happy with the new Colonel's decorum. He purposely gave Blake the same measured look that Blake had given Daniel. Blake would soon learn that it would be to his detriment to underestimate Daniel just because of his civilian status. He'd done it himself a long time ago and learned not to do it again. The other members of SG-3 gave their appropriate greetings to SG-1 and Jacob, all with considerate nods to Daniel, outshining their new commander. Jack gave them their due courtesy in return.

The wormhole engaged and Daniel made for the end of the ramp but Jack waved him off.

"What are we waiting for?" he asked, puzzled.

"Gas ordinance," Jack told him as they watched Jacob toss a small silver ball through the event horizon.

Daniel's brow skyrocketed. "Gas? Why?"

Before Jack could respond, Jacob answered instead. "Because, Danny, there are Jaffa at the gate on the other side," and he held up a palm-sized display panel he was reading.

"What? That wasn't mentioned in the short briefing," Daniel complained as his worry increased even more. He watched as Jacob tried to read the information on the tiny screen, having to adjust its angle under the harsh lighting of the gateroom. The device he'd tossed through the gate was a VCD (visual comm device) sphere and it was currently sending back information. Daniel looked over his shoulder, trying to read the screen.

"What's it say?"

"There are humans, a Goa'uld or Tok'ra, and Jaffa on the other side, near the gate," Selmac informed them.

"Can you tell if the humans are SG-2?"

"Not without the video display," Jacob answered that time, "which should be--" and he then make a noise of disgust. "The VCD has been disabled, probably by a staff blast."

"Then it would seem that the Jaffa have them hostage," Teal'c commented.

"So it would seem," Jacob said with impatience, and since his hand-held display was of no further use, he put it away in his Tok'ra jacket.

Daniel didn't like the thought of sending incapacitating gas through the gate. They'd thrown tear gas through the gate on a mission to Chulak four years before and had since used it on further occasions. The gas was not pleasant and caused a headache for a few days, but it did work on Goa'uld and Jaffa. Daniel's face showed concern and Sam knew immediately knew why. She walked up to him and spoke softly.

"SG-2 will be okay, Daniel. We've a new kind of gas grenade that renders everyone unconscious and dissipates within thirty seconds. All we have to do is wait for it to work so that we don't have to go in wearing masks."

"Well, that's...good," Daniel said quietly, still not reassured. He desperately hoped Jason and his team wasn't hurt but knew it was unlikely if SG-1 and SG-3 were being called in to rescue them.

"Daniel!" Janet called out just then, hurrying into the gateroom, holding something in her hand. His contacts container. He let out a sigh of relief.

"Thanks, Janet." He handed her his glasses and she opened the container for him. He placed the contacts into his eyes carefully, then Janet handed him the special solution for his eyes. He blinked several times, then glanced at Sam as he went through his little ritual for wearing contacts (something he normally took care of in the gear-up room or in his office). "Sam, what are the side effects of this new gas? Are they the same as the 'old' gas? What I mean is, it's not going to do more to Jason and the guys than usual, is it?"

Jack answered for her. "No, Daniel. They'll just get knocked out, along with everyone else. It'll give us enough time to grab them and haul 'em home."

"What about the Tok'ra? Will it harm his symbiote?" He couldn't help asking. Selmac seemed to appreciate it and answered.

"No, Dr. Jackson. It has no adverse affects for symbiotes...unfortunately." He cracked a grin then, and Daniel knew he was referring to Goa'uld symbiotes.

Meanwhile, Colonel Blake's attention was piqued when he heard Daniel refer to Major Coburn as Jason.

"You know Major Coburn, Dr. Jackson?" he asked, his manner reticent, telling Daniel he obviously objected to Daniel's use of Jason's given name. His voice gave away nothing, but Daniel now knew that he had to be wary of the man. Would SG-3 ever get a decent commander?

Jack turned to Blake, levelling that special look of his at him. Daniel noted it, and so did Sam and Teal'c. All three immediately stepped just a little closer to Daniel - showing an automatic protective demeanor. It was one Daniel appreciated, secretly, but was irritated with nonetheless.

"Yes, Colonel. We've been friends since our mission to Kheb," Daniel told him matter-of-factly and didn't give any other explanation, then he turned away to face Janet. She handed him a cloth to wipe away the solution that teared down one cheek, which only added to the "innocent civilian" look that new people saw in him. Blake started to ask further questions but Jack had had enough.

"Blake, is there a problem?" He asked, continuing to give him the look. Those that paid attention learned that it was a subtle signal to back off. If they didn't read it correctly, those people would have hell to pay. Teal'c stepped up next to Jack then, his eyebrow going up as he, too, levelled that look at Blake.

Blake didn't understand the protection they afforded the civilian, but under that combined gaze, he collected himself and backed off. "No, sir, no problem." His teammates expressions hinted that they weren't very appreciative of their new leader's actions. They - Scott, Graham, and Jones - had had a few leaders ever since Makepeace had dishonored the team designation with his actions. The old members of SG-3 were working hard to dispel that image and their new CO was apparently going to be a problem if he didn't wise up.

At the combined looks he was being given, Colonel Blake did seem to know which end was up and turned his gaze on Daniel. "No offense was meant or intended, Dr. Jackson,"

"None taken, Colonel." Daniel decided to hold out his judgment on the man. He was, after all, new to this command, and the SGC. Jack held no such leniency. The man's name was mud if he so much as glared at Daniel again.

The ordinance arrived and the tactical sergeants immediately dispatched the new grenades through the event horizon. Everyone waited as Sam and the tactical crew counted down.

For a moment, Daniel noted the presence of Major Pierce, standing at the back of the gateroom. He wanted to say something to him, but knew there wasn't enough time, so he made sure Pierce noticed his attention was on him, then he gave him a "don't worry" nod. Pierce gave nothing away, but to Daniel, and his study of "body" languages, Pierce was grateful for the acknowledgement. Pierce was a friend of Jason's, but until that moment, Daniel had only wondered if Pierce was his former lover. Daniel was oddly pleased that his private assumption was proved correct. He quirked a smile at Pierce, then turned around just as Jacob spoke to Jack.

"Let's get ready, Jack. It seems everyone's neutralized, but one can never be completely sure when Goa'uld are involved." Jacob got his zat ready and SG-1 lined up, with SG-3 right behind. Jack looked over his shoulder and up into the control booth and nodded to General Hammond. Hammond touched the intercom microphone.

"Good luck and bring SG-2 and the operative home," Hammond commanded and received a loud, echoing report of "yes, sir".

The two teams moved out.

Upon exiting the wormhole, they found fifteen unconscious Jaffa, four slightly conscious Jaffa (who were quickly zatted), the unconscious bodies of all four members of SG-2, and a civilian man that Jacob identified as the Tok'ra operative. SG-3 made sure the surrounding perimeter, within 50 feet, was secure while the team was checked over. Daniel wanted to check Jason first, but he came to the nearest man instead, concentrating on everyone, not just his lover. Jack noted it and his respect for Daniel's compassionate nature was reinforced.

When it was time to dial out, Daniel asked Sam to do it, then made his way over to Jason's body. With ease, Daniel pulled him up into a sitting position then dropped him over his shoulders and stood up carefully. Jason was by no means light, at least fifteen pounds heavier than his own weight, and Daniel was treated to a few looks of respect, including one from Blake. It wasn't unusual, but it always surprised Daniel when he'd get something like that from people who knew he'd been a member of SG-1 for six years now. Six years! Did they think he'd been carried all that time? Daniel raised his eyebrows at the looks he got, then peered over at Jack who shook his head with sarcastic amusement.

The gate engaged home, and the Jaffa were just beginning to rouse when teams and their cargo stepped through the gate. The iris closed and Hammond welcomed them all home.

It had been a very short mission with good results. Amazing. If it hadn't been for Jacob, it would have been much worse. As the teams settled down and each were checked over briefly (aside from the usual scans, etc.) in the infirmary, Jack was cleared and he moved out to find Jacob and thank him. He knew that the SGC was now going to be bartering with the Tok'ra for use of the VCDs on future covert/rescue missions, though the MALPs were still going to be used for the usual recon.

Daniel was cleared and went over to a different ward to check on Jason, who was lying on a bed, still unconscious, as were his teammates. He and the others had a few bruises here and there, but they were otherwise okay...physically. Tests and scans were immediately ordered to make sure they hadn't been tampered with, and Jacob had already sent word to see if the Zatarc machine was still intact. If it wasn't, SG-2 would have to be watched for a time to make sure they weren't programmed.

Janet told Daniel to scoot, because this time, Jason's injuries were different and the circumstances were also under the realm of security. Though he'd been shot by Makepeace, the "situation" had not been a security risk. This one was and Daniel understood.

"I come back and see him later then?" he asked her, the worry starting to show.

"In about four hours or so, Daniel. He'll be in the infirmary for another twelve, maybe less, then on base restriction until the Tok'ra get here with that insufferable machine of theirs."

"How long will that be?"

"Depends on how long it takes the Tok'ra to get it here. Since one of their own operatives has to be scanned, I'd say no more than a day."

Daniel nodded and started to walk off. Janet touched his arm and he turned toward her to find sympathy and understanding in her eyes. He touched her hand, then walked away, heading toward the briefing room. The short display was not unlike the one exchanged between them when Cassie had been sick from that virus of Nirrti's.

After the short debriefing, Daniel changed into his green utility uniform. He went to the commissary, got some coffee, sat with Sam, listened, answered, but he wasn't paying much attention to anything. He had this strong need to check on Jason and make sure he was alright. His preoccupation wasn't unlike that which he'd go through whenever Jack, Sam, or Teal'c was injured, but his emotional involvement was much deeper. Despite his attempt at a cover-up, Sam knew he was sick with worry. His eyes gave him away.

"He'll be okay, Daniel," she whispered. He looked up at her in surprise, then nodded and took a deep sigh into his coffee mug.

Those four hours had passed slowly, but soon the time was up. Daniel made his way to the infirmary, trying desperately not to run. When he turned the corner to the ward Jason was in, he halted. Jason was awake, and smiling, and talking to Major Pierce. Irrationally, Daniel became incensed...and jealous. Why was Pierce allowed to visit? How long had he been there? Had he been there when Daniel wasn't allowed to be? Were he and Jason being kept apart?

Daniel couldn't help thinking these things, though he knew they were stupid and the result of his sudden insecurity. He watched Jason talk with Pierce, noting how his eyes lit up in the secret way he had of expressing thoughts. Daniel saw the loving friendship the two still shared, and perversely wondered if Jason would go back to Pierce. They'd broken up, presumably because of their jobs, and he didn't think it likely that they'd get back together. Though Pierce was never mentioned by name, Jason had told Daniel that his breakup with him had hurt and Daniel couldn't help but wonder if Jason still loved him.

Pierce touched Jason's shoulder just then, and Jason grabbed it, taking Pierce's hand in that "covert" handshake - thumb over thumb. The look they exchanged for a fraction of a second made Daniel feel even more insecure. He had been preparing to walk in but now, he couldn't. He backed away, turning and moving down the hall the way he'd come. He found himself back in front of his office door. He couldn't face Jason now. He needed time for his insecure emotions to get a grip.

Unfortunately, he wasn't going to get a chance to get his emotions under control in private. Colonel Blake walked up behind him, startling him out of his thoughts.

"Dr. Jackson, may I have a word with you in private?" and he gestured at Daniel's door, indicating that they go in.

Daniel narrowed his eyes, studying the man. He didn't sense anything dangerous in Blake but he still sensed the hostility. He also noticed a strange look in his eyes when Blake looked at him now. If he had to, he was sure he could take the man. He opened his door and entered, Blake following close on his heels.

At the far end of the hall, Jack witnessed the exchange. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary - unless you had been witness to Blake's attitude earlier in the gateroom. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Not again. He walked toward Daniel's office and grabbed two SF's walking down the hallway.

"Come with me, gentlemen."

"Yes, sir," they replied with keen interest. They followed Jack to Daniel's office door, then stood there, awaiting orders as Jack put his hand on the door. After a moment, Jack turned to them.

"You two needed elsewhere?"

"No sir. Trouble with Dr. Jackson?" one of them asked.

"Not with him, Sergeant, but maybe for him. We'll just wait here, but if I sense anything threatening through this door, we'll go in, understood?"

"Understood, sir."

Jack had them stand on either side of Daniel's door as he stood in front of it, his hand on the metal, and waited. He'd give Daniel a chance to get out of this himself, whatever it was, but at the slightest - the very slightest - vibration through the door and Jack would be in there on his horse.

Inside his office, Daniel stood beside his lab table, Blake just in front of him.

"What is it, Colonel?"

"Listen, Doctor, I won't beat about the bush. Robert Makepeace was a pretty good friend of mine, and even though we were close, I didn't agree with what he did here. I'd been visiting him in prison. He told me about you."

The look on Blake's face wasn't predatory. It did hold an intense curiosity, however, mixed with something else that Daniel might classify as lustful. Whatever it was that Makepeace had told him, Daniel was sure he'd find out soon enough. Time to get to the point.

"And so...?" he asked innocently.

"I came here to find out exactly what happened to Robert. He's disappeared."

Daniel studied him carefully. The man couldn't be NID, unless the NID was fishing for who knew about Makepeace. Daniel gave him a calculated look and decided that maybe Blake knew a few things, but not everything. His threat-assessment didn't go unnoticed by the Colonel.

"You already know where he went or you wouldn't be asking. Why are you here?" Daniel asked bluntly.

"I don't know. I'm asking you. I knew he had plans to escape. I also knew he had plans to visit you if he ever managed to escape."

Daniel cocked his head to the left. "Did you help him escape?"

Blake shook his head. "No, and I advised him not to. Please, Dr. Jackson, tell me," he whispered to Daniel just then. In those three simple words, Daniel's gut instinct told him that Blake was no plant, no spy, and no bully. He was a friend and maybe even a possible former lover of Makepeace's, and as farfetched as it was for him to even know that, Daniel's intuition rarely steered him wrong. Daniel couldn't tell him the truth though, no matter how much he wanted to ease this man's mind. He suddenly felt sorry for him. He knew what it was like not to know what happened to loved ones, past or present. Sarah came to mind immediately.

He leaned against the table and folded his arms, giving Blake a very serious look and called up all of his ability to act. "He came to see me...." and he paused, wondering how to address him.

"Terence."

"Terence. He came to see me. He had two others with him. I had a friend over at the time. We made sure Robert got the message to leave without his so-called partners. He did. He was a bit bruised when I last saw him...but very much alive."

Blake looked a little relieved, heaving out a breath he'd been holding. He suddenly stepped closer to Daniel. "Thank you. I'd like to think he's alive, but I know that realistically, he's probably not. Was it Colonel O'Neill who was with you?"

Daniel snorted. "That's not any of your business," he told him calmly, with amusement, purposely making it seem as if he were giving an affirmative answer. Jack could take the minor heat - if any - that might come, because he had the clout. Jason didn't.

"Robert may have acted the ass on a lot of things, but one thing he was definitely right about was you. You are definitely something." His hazel eyes gave Daniel a very slow once over.

Daniel didn't flinch; a fact he was rather secretly proud of later. "Are we done, Blake? I could do with getting some work done. How 'bout you? I'm sure you have something better to do?"

Blake looked over at the door and the camera stationed above it. The red light was not on, so the camera was off. "You always turn your camera off?"

"I don't like being spied on, unless I've been compromised on a mission, then it's understandable. But when I'm not, the thing gets on my nerves. Is there a reason you ask?" Daniel wanted to keep him talking, trying to delay the outrageous pass he just knew was coming.

Blake didn't disappoint. "I was just wondering if I could have a chance at getting some of this?" and his hand reached out and boldly cupped Daniel's groin, immediately rubbing with his thumb and getting a very good feel. Daniel flinched, slightly.

What was it with Marine commanders, anyway? They didn't all want to fuck him, did they?

He sighed in a deceptively mild manner, then grabbed Blake's offending hand by the wrist and twisted it away from his crotch. Blake's reaction was to move with the twisting motion to lessen the pain. He ended up on his knees as Daniel kept twisting.

Daniel bent over to talk into his ear, not ready to release the idiot just yet. His voice was scarily calm, but his eyes were not. With heavy sarcasm, he whispered, "Very tempting, Colonel, I'm sure and I'm so very flattered, really, but..." and he released him, rudely, letting the man fall off balance and onto his side. "You're not my type. I think it would be a good idea for you to leave now." He then stood back, readying himself for an attack.

Blake stood carefully and backed up a few steps, rubbing his wrist. His face showed embarrassment at having the situation turned around on him. Makepeace had told him this might happen, but frankly, he hadn't believed him as Robert had had a tendency to exaggerate his so-called conquests. He now knew better. "My apologies, Doctor," he gulped, then gathered what was left of his pride and retreated to the door. "Thanks for telling me about Robert," he added, trying to save face by ignoring what he'd done. He opened the door, not seeing Jack on the other side of it just yet. "Oh, by the way, I was impressed with how you handled yourself today."

"Thanks...I think," Daniel said with more sarcasm as he sat down at his desk, the anger - on top of his other charged emotions - making him feel emotionally exhausted.

Blake opened the door fully and came face to face with Jack.

"Excuse me, Colonel O'Neill."

"Blake. Anything I can help you with?" Jack's gaze was steely and very life-threatening.

"No sir. I came to congratulate Doctor Jackson on the mission and to ask him a question about a mutual acquaintance," then he made his way past Jack and moved down the hall. Jack didn't fail to notice some redness around the wrist of his right hand, which Blake had inadvertently called attention to by pulling on his sleeve cuff. That redness was not caused by anything around his wrist, so it could only have been caused by someone grabbing him. Daniel?

Jack closed Daniel's door, thanking the SF's for their assistance and dismissing them, then caught up to Blake to get the rest of that explanation out of him, as well as answer any other pertinent questions.

Daniel had heard the exchange, and when Jack didn't come back into his office, he sat there wondering how long Jack had been standing outside his door....but he shook that off and found himself back to his most immediate concern: Jason.

Jack returned to Daniel's office and found him sitting at his desk. He wasn't working, and was, instead, staring off into space as he twirled a pencil between his fingers. Jack had no intention of bringing up Blake. That short incident was over and he got his own answers...all except for finding out why Blake had a red wrist.

Jack closed the door silently, then walked over to the chair next to Daniel's desk. Daniel looked up at him. The only movement he made was the turning of his head, otherwise, nothing else changed. He returned his focus to whatever it was he "saw" in front of him and continued to twirl the pencil. Jack watched him for a moment, taking in the fact that he could watch him. Over the past two months, he felt that he'd earned Daniel's trust again, and bit by bit, their friendship had come back even stronger than before, if that was at all possible.

He'd found himself jealous at times, jealous of Daniel's interest in Jason, his periodic pre-occupation; a pre-occupation that would have been reserved for him if he hadn't screwed their friendship up because of his fears. His own self-discipline had been compromised and he'd learned to re-strengthen it. When the jealousy flared, he choked it down, reminded himself that friendship came first, and for the most part, it worked. When it didn't, he made himself disappear for a date with his own hand. Daniel's trust and respect meant more to him and he couldn't risk losing it again.

Shaking off the memories, Jack sat down slowly, just now noticing a little redness in Daniel's eyes and chalked it up to worry, but as he looked closer, he thought the redness was just a bit too puffy...as if...

"Danny, Jason's going to be fine."

Daniel nodded. "I know. I'm really happy for him."

Jack frowned. That didn't sound right. It sounded like he'd just wished Jason well at a wedding...as if he'd told Jason goodbye. Whatever it was, Daniel was very upset.

"Daniel, he's not going anywhere. Go see him."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Not until I have myself under control and can look at him unemotionally."

Jack snorted. "Might as well wall yourself up in here in a recreation of The Cask of Amontillado. I'll get the bricks."

Daniel looked at him without amusement and noted the humour in Jack's eyes. No matter how pissed off he could get a Jack, that look always seemed to make him smile.

"Stop it, Jack. I'm in no mood to smile."

He started to worry Jack now. "Daniel, tell me what's wrong."

Daniel was silent at first...his pencil continuing its spiralling mission around his fingers. He stilled it then, pushing the lead point into the surface of his desk.

"I went to visit him, but he was otherwise occupied...with a visit from his former lover." He looked up at Jack, almost expecting to see a pitying glance, but he saw nothing but his concern. "The two of them were...well, Jason looked like he didn't want any other visitors just then so before he saw me, I left." He glanced up at Jack again, letting him see the guilt on his face. "I know. I'm jealous. I'm irrational. I'm insecure. That's why I'm here. I can't go back until I have rid myself of these negative feelings. After what he's just been through, he doesn't need that." Daniel suddenly put too much grip on his pencil and it snapped in two, startling him.

Jack reached out and touched his hand, his fingers seeking to twine in Daniel's. He held the grip firmly and Daniel didn't pull away...immediately. He thought the action very caring of Jack, and when he felt his emotion flaring up once again, he tried to pull his hand away, but Jack held fast.

"Daniel, how long as it been since you and Jason have been together?"

Daniel bit his lip and reddened at the intimacy of the question coming from the man he loved...first. "Why are you asking me that, Jack?"

Jack sighed. "Because I think you need the tactile reassurance."

Daniel sighed. "Right before the mission, Jack. We shared a few kisses. Happy?"

"No, but that's not what I meant. Sex, Daniel--"

"I know what you meant and you don't need to know that."

"I'm sorry to be intruding but I thought I could point out something you don't know." Daniel gave him a scowl, not believing him, but Jack went on. "Your relationship is, for all intents and purposes, new. It's probably the source of the insecurity, along with your issues of abandonment."

"I don't have..." Daniel started to argue but cut himself off as he knew very well he had those issues, which had started when his parents died.

Jack knew that Daniel knew he was right, so he went on. "New means a new level of trust, and you haven't had enough time. Maybe you need to build up that trust so that you'll be absolutely certain that your partner won't walk."

Daniel looked up in shock. "I...trust him."

"Do you? Then why are you in that chair? Why'd you give up?"

"It's not that simple. If it were just a fear of abandonment, I could handle it, but it's not."

"No, it's your need to be with him and seeing his former lover with him brought up your possessiveness, not so much the jealousy. You need to be with him, Daniel, and it's upsetting you not to be. Every love relationship is physical, whether we admit or not."

"I don't..." Daniel started, preparing to argue, but stopped himself, realizing that Jack had a point. He nodded, then tried to pull his hand away, but Jack still wouldn't let him. "I really need you to go. If you keep talking to me, showing me support and concern, I'll get all mushy and neither one of us can handle that." He crooked a grin at him and Jack smiled back. He got up, and Daniel expected him to let his hand go, but he didn't. Instead, he pulled Daniel out of his chair and into a warm, tight hug. Daniel tried to push Jack away but he found himself not trying too hard. He wanted comfort and Jack was offering. He let himself feel just a little bit, and reached his arms around Jack's waist, returning the hold.

"Things will be fine, Daniel. You'll see."

"Maybe." Daniel pressed his face into Jack's neck. The smell of the man made him partially erect in seconds. He couldn't help it. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore it and Jack's own responsiveness to him but found that he couldn't...or maybe his love for Jack wouldn't permit it, he didn't know.

Jack felt Daniel's erection, along with his own pressing back, and it surprised him. "How are you and me?" he had to ask, mouthing his silky hair.

Daniel pulled away a little to look into Jack's eyes in surprise. "We're fine, Jack. No matter what happens, we're fine. You and me. Forever."

Daniel hadn't realized just how he'd said what he said and Jack lost momentary composure because of it. He cupped Daniel's face in one hand and leaned in and planted a soft, loving kiss on his lips. Daniel didn't shrink back and melted into the kiss, tightening his hold on Jack as his hands crept up his back to grab his shoulders. His mouth opened eagerly before he realized it and let Jack's tongue inside, meeting him with his own as he tasted and explored. He fell back against the bookcase, pulling Jack with him. Their groins automatically ground into each other, as if the motion were pure, natural, inevitable. They moaned into each other's mouths and at the sound, realized just what they were doing. Their heady kiss suddenly stopped and their bodies quieted, reluctantly pulling apart, though each held on to the other in a loose hug.

"Damn, but you kiss sweet," Jack whispered. "Just as I knew you would."

"Why did you have to go and do that," Daniel replied rhetorically, feeling the throbbing of his cock, desperate for attention, and he knew that he would come immediately if Jack touched him there.

"Jack, you have to take your hands off of me...now. Please."

Jack kissed him once more, barely touching his lips, then backed away. "You feeling any better?" he asked as he turned to the door, opening it.

"No," Daniel muttered, willing himself to calm down.

"Damn, I'm slipping."

Daniel smiled widely at that and Jack smiled in return before leaving his office. He walked down the hallway, then got into the elevator and made his way to the infirmary. Time to have a private chat with Jason.

When Jack entered the ward, he saw Major Pierce sitting in a chair next to Jason's bed. Was this the guy? He thought he might be, though it was very clear that the two were friends, judging by their intense discussion. Jack wasn't sure why, but despite his own feelings for Daniel, he felt a strange loyalty to protect that which Daniel loved.

He put his hands in his pockets and walked casually over to Jason's bed. Jason and Pierce looked up, and Pierce started to stand to attention but Jack waved him at ease.

"Don't sit back down, Major. I need to speak with Major Coburn alone," then Jack gave Jason a very sober look. Jason frowned, but nodded at him.

"Yes, sir," Pierce said. "I'll look in on ya, later, Jason."

"Thanks, Aaron. I'll probably be in my quarters until I get cleared."

Jason watched with surprise as Jack went over, and instead of choosing the chair, he nudged Jason's legs over and sat down on the edge of the bed. Jason wasn't in any hospital gear, or hooked up to a lot of equipment, as it wasn't needed. Instead, he wore his black tee and fatigue trousers as he sat against the head of the bed, hooked up only to an IV. He had a few more injuries than his teammates, and though they'd already been reassigned to their on-base quarters, he had to remain for "further observation".

"Thank you for coming to get my team and the Tok'ra, sir."

"You're welcome, and it wasn't a problem, Major, thanks to Jacob Carter and Selmac. Thank them when next you see them."

"I will, sir."

"I see Doc's got you hooked up to her famous cure-all."

"Yes, sir. I don't need to be, either. I'm fine," and Jason's face told Jack that he'd rather be elsewhere than stuck in the infirmary. Jason plucked at the bedding he lay on top of, seeming to find the words to speak. "Sir, is Daniel coming to see me?"

Jack's look told him the answer. "Not for a while, Major."

"I see," Jason said softly, a strange mixture of pain and perplexity crossing his features. He looked down at the piece of bedding he was picking at. "Have you talked with him?"

Jack nodded. He had a feeling Jason would read Daniel not coming to visit him in the wrong way...so here he was, ready to fix the problem. "We need to have a chat somewhere a little more private." While Jason stared back in surprise and worry, Jack got up and went to Janet's office, knocking on the open door as she sat at her desk writing up chart notes.

"What can I do for you, Colonel?" she asked pleasantly.

Standing with his hands in his pockets, he blurted out, "Is it okay to spring Major Coburn from here?"

She nodded. "His I.V. should be finished by now."

"Was that necessary?"

She regarded him with a worried smile. "You know that chemical gas dehydrates a system, and normally anyone could take care of that with a few liters of water, but Major Coburn is in a little rougher shape so he needed the extra attention. I take it you're going to take him to see Daniel?"

Jack gave her a serious look before he nodded. "So you noticed Daniel hasn't been in here to visit?" She nodded in return. "Well, the two friends are having a bit of signal crossing. Thought I'd help straighten it out."

"Uh huh," she said, noting the mischief in Jack's eyes. "Behave yourself with my patient, Colonel, or...." and her eyes went to the dispensary cabinet where the gloves and lube were kept. Jack visibly shuddered.

"You need to come with a warning, Doc."

She gave him another one of her dangerous smiles. She let her office and grabbed a wheelchair in the outer hall, then indicated that he follow her as she rolled it into Jason's ward.

Jason saw them and scooted forward, placed his legs over the side of the bed, unsure if he should like the picture on both their faces.

"Doc, can I please get the hell out of here? I don't need this IV. All I have is a headache."

"We've been through this already, Major," she said, sighing, then mimicked an earlier complaint. "It's just a bump on the head, Doc." She shook her head. "It's a concussion. You know very well what that means so stop arguing."

Both he and Jack snorted at that impossibility and she gave them both a glare of impatience...and warning. Jason sighed, then winced as his headache reminded him of its presence.

"Still have a headache?" she asked, going immediately to his side.

"A little," he replied with annoyance.

Janet handed him some ibuprofen, then some water from his bedside cup. He swallowed the medicine without complaint though he had to fight off the nausea in his stomach to keep the pills down. He had more than enough butterflies flying through his stomach because of his worry about Daniel; he didn't need this damn nausea too and it was getting on his nerves. All he wanted to do was get the hell out of the infirmary and go see his lover and friend and find out what was wrong.

He looked down at his arm as Janet removed the I.V. "I'm done with that?" he asked hopefully. He was thoroughly tired of having to haul the I.V. bag with him every time he had to piss.

Jack gave Jason one of his crooked grins after the young man was free of the I.V. and he tapped the wheelchair as he stood behind it. "Your chariot awaits, Coburn."

Jason frowned then looked with exasperation at Janet. "Oh come on, Doc. I can walk."

"Your concussion wasn't a light one, Major," and she indicated the walker he'd had to use a couple of times. "Dizziness is one of your symptoms."

"It was, Doc. I didn't have any dizziness the last time I took a piss."

She smirked at him. "I realize that, but I'm taking no chances. But..." and raised her voice as he started to object. "You don't have to come back here. Just have Colonel O'Neill or Daniel take you to your quarters instead. You'll be there anyway until that damn zatarc machine gets here."

Jason sighed and nodded in understanding. He gave Jack a suspicious look, then pointed under the bed. "Would you hand me my boots, please, Colonel?" he asked as he slid off the bed and sat down in the wheelchair. When he settled, Jack dropped the boots abruptly in his lap, making Jason snort. "Thank you, Colonel."

"I'm not here to coddle, Coburn. I'm here to kidnap you." Jason snorted again. "Great, my own personal torturer," he mumbled as he slipped on his boots and tucked the laces under the tongue. He didn't notice the grin Jack was giving Janet but when he looked at her he caught the slightest hint of amusement. He looked over his shoulder and Jack immediately changed his grin to a scowl. Jason snorted again as he gave Janet an appreciative grin.

"Thanks, Doc. It's been a pleasure, I'm sure."

"Not for me, it wasn't," she teased.

"Oh come on, Doc. I wasn't that bad."

Janet stared at him and folded her arms, giving him that, 'oh really?' look.

Jason relented. "Okay, okay, so maybe I was."

She shook her head with amused tolerance. "I'll send someone down to get you in a few hours for more blood work so be in your quarters or in Daniel's office. No going to the gym." She had to add the last because Jason had been known to do that when he was stuck on base and not occupying himself by helping out Daniel in his office. He didn't find Daniel's work as boring as Jack did.

"Yes, ma'am. I hate doing nothing though, so I'll probably be with Daniel, if doesn't kick me out."

"I don't think he will, Major," Janet said with one of her more tender smiles, but then assumed one of her more stern ones. "Be mindful of your concussion and remember," she added as she leaned over to whisper in his ear, "...no unnecessary exertions."

Jason looked up at her quickly, then glanced just as quickly at Jack, and though he was able to fight off a blush in his cheek, his embarrassment was obvious.

"Well, look at that, Doc. You made him blush," Jack teased as he turned Jason's chair around.

"Colonel," Jason said, aggrieved, "I did not blush...and I can use this wheelchair myself."

"Huh uh," Janet disagreed, "you need to be escorted. No harsh exertions, remember?" Jason sighed with a hint of disobedience so her face became even more stern.

"Yes, ma'am," Jason said.

"Thanks, Doc," Jack replied, and as he left, Janet shouted after him.

"Behave, Colonel."

"She never lets me have any fun," Jack grumbled as he wheeled Jason out of the ward, then bent down and whispered in Jason's ear. "You did too blush."

"I did not...sir."

Jack gave him a teasing chuckle that did not bode well and despite himself, the deep sound in Jack's throat aroused him whether he wanted it to or not. Then Jack said, "You're in my care now, Major."

"Oh fuck," Jason whispered, rolling his eyes.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, sir."

"Uh huh."

Jason held on as Jack took him for a little ride through the corridors and toward the dreaded elevator. Jason knew Jack meant well but sometimes it was hard to know whether or not he was kidding. If Daniel hadn't clued him in on some of Jack's prankish behavior, Jason would have been worried shitless. As they got into the elevator, Jason saw Jack hit the button for Level 27.

"Sir, I thought..."

"Not just yet, Major. You and I need to have a chat."

"Oh fuck," he repeated.

"What was that, Major?"

"Nothing, sir."

"Uh huh."

Five minutes later, Jack wheeled him into his office and over by his own couch. He locked the wheels down, so Jason could easily transfer to the couch - if he wanted to - without the chair moving.

"You want something to drink?" he asked as he went to his small fridge.

"I'm not thirsty, sir."

"I was being polite, Jason. Doc's orders. Which one?" he asked as he picked out one can of soda and one bottle of juice. Jason pointed at the lemonade, leaving Jack with the coke, so Jack handed him the bottle.

"Thank you, sir," Jason replied, focusing on Jack's use of his first name.

"You're welcome." Jack then walked over to his door and locked it, then made sure the camera was off. "I don't want witnesses."

Jason paused in mid-drink and almost choked on the juice. "Sir, you're making me nervous."

"Good, at least my point's not totally lost, which is that I'm very serious," he replied as he sat down on the couch and opened his can of coke. "And lose the sir and 'Colonel'. It's 'Jack'. This conversation is personal."

"Okay...Jack." Jason opened the bottle of lemonade and took a small, nervous sip. He cleared his throat at the sudden tanginess, then cleared it again. He looked hesitantly at Jack. "I'll assume it's Daniel you want to discuss?" he asked, his worry increasing.

Jack cleared his own throat. "I do. He's upset."

Jason frowned. "Why?"

Instead of answering, he asked, "Are you looking for someone else, Jason, maybe an old lover?" Jack chose the words purposely.

Jason's brown eyes narrowed with indignation. "No! I love Daniel. More than my own life."

"Then what was that with Pierce?" Jack's eyebrows raised expectantly.

Jason's browline went up as well, although his went up in panic and shock. "Nothing, Jack!" he whispered harshly. "Aaron and I are friends."

"Now," Jack stated, daring Jason to contradict his assumptions. Jason made no effort to contradict nor confirm. His silence was, however, a confirmation of sorts. "So, was he there as a concerned friend, or does he want you back?"

Jason had no trouble meeting Jack's gaze. "He cares about me, and yes, he also wants us to get back together. It didn't work before because he's a bit more...um..."

"Paranoid?" Jack offered, understanding that.

Jason nodded. "I told him 'no', Jack. I had to. I thought our relationship was serious but...after we broke up, I realized then that the reason I didn't try and get him back was because of Daniel."

"What's Daniel got to do with your breakup?" Jack asked defensively.

"Nothing...well, not directly. He wasn't consciously the problem."

"What're you saying?"

Jason took a deep breath. "I've been in love with Daniel for a while, and though I knew his orientation, I didn't say anything because of his love for you. I treasure his friendship more."

Jack took in his words for a few silent moments. "So it didn't work out in your past relationship because you already loved someone else. I get that. But why'd you risk starting something with Daniel even though you knew about his feelings for me?"

Jason hesitated. "Sounds a bit like a big queen drama, doesn't it?"

Jack snorted. "A bit. Answer the question."

Jason cleared his throat. "Because you were behaving like a sonofabitch, Jack, and I wanted to take away that pain in Daniel's eyes."

Jack sat there staring at him. Having heard it bluntly said by someone else was...hard. It was the truth, however, and he'd long since accepted that what he'd done to Daniel was wrong. After a few more silent moments, he nodded, then changed the subject.

"Daniel came to see you, you know."

"He did?" Jason asked, his eyes lighting up, and they told Jack all he needed to know. That he was telling the truth about Pierce.

"He did....but he saw Pierce with you and...he got jealous. Instead of swallowing it, he let his insecurity rule his judgment and he went back to his office. Now, he says he's not coming to see you until he's dealt with it."

"Oh, for cryin' out fucking loud," he spat, then brought a hand up to shield his eyes as he shook his head. Jack couldn't help but smile at the use of his own well-known phrase. "Why does he have to have such a goddamn stubborn streak?"

"I don't know," Jack replied, shrugging. "For such an open-minded guy, he can also have terrible tunnel-vision when it comes to seeing himself in a positive light."

Jason sighed with frustration. When he calmed, he gave Jack a hard look. "So...he gated to the wrong conclusion. Now what? I'm just supposed to wait till he gets over it?" and he shook his head. "I don't think so," and he got up out of the wheelchair to head for the door but Jack quickly grabbed him by the arm and pulled him backward where he landed roughly on the couch.

"What?...I can't go see him?" Jason asked angrily.

"In a minute..." Jack told him in a deep voice as he gave Jason a long look that made him wary.

"What?"

"I think you should know...I kissed him...in his office."

Jason held his breath, then sighed loudly as he dropped his head back on the top of the sofa and closed his eyes. "Why?"

Jack studied him for a few moments, feeling his guilt rise. "I...he...I gave in and kissed him. You know why."

Without opening his eyes, Jason said, "Because you love him, I know. He loves you, too."

Jack winced. "I know."

"So...why tell me?" Jason asked hotly. He opened his eyes and without lifting his head off the back of the sofa, turned and fixed Jack with a confused frown.

Jack took a deep breath. "Because I thought you should know what I did. I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry and I shouldn't have done it."

Jason's frown of confusion deepened, and before he could think of anything else to ask, Jack went on.

"He loves you, Jason...a lot. He was very worried for you." He cleared his throat, then went on. "I don't believe he'd leave the relationship the two of you have just to have one with me. It's not in his nature to do that. He's loyal."

"Yeah, but even so, I know damn well without you telling me that he kissed you back." He closed his eyes again, turning his face away. He couldn't look at Jack anymore. He was getting angry and not a little aroused by Jack's close proximity. He understood very well Daniel's attraction to Jack....and his love for the man. Jason secretly carried his own feelings for him and had only hinted at them to Daniel. But he loved Daniel. He didn't love Jack.

Jack studied his face and seemed to guess part of what Jason was feeling. "Don't be mad at him."

"I'm not mad at him, Jack." Truth was, Jason wasn't mad. He felt he should be, but he wasn't. He was mad at himself for getting jealous. Plus, the jealousy he'd started to feel was being replaced by something else...and he really needed to get away from Jack and go see Daniel. Did Jack have any idea what kind of magnetism he had? No, probably not, and that was quite likely worse.

Jack was slowly coming to see what it was that Daniel loved in this man, despite the obvious. He waited for Jason to look at him, and when he wouldn't, he decided to force him. "So...what's going on in that handsome head of yours?"

Jason looked up sharply, frowning again. Was Jack was flirting with him? His look to Jack must've been something because Jack flashed him that smile that turned people's knees to jelly. Jason groaned and closed his eyes.

"Nothing's in my head and why are you smiling at me like that?"

Jack knew that would get a reaction. "That's funny, that's just what Daniel asked."

Jason snorted, still not looking at him. "And what'd you say?"

"I didn't but what I would have said was 'I can't help being me.'"

Jason snorted again, then froze as Jack slapped a warm hand on his knee and stood up. The touch from Jack sent a warm, electrical current straight to his groin. He couldn't possibly fault Daniel for kissing him back - and knew without a doubt that Daniel did. Jesus, was it warm in here or what? He took a deep breath.

"So, will you forgive me?" Jack asked.

"For what?" Jason asked, suddenly clueless, then with further thought..."Oh, the kiss. Yes, Jack."

Another smile and Jason closed his eyes once more...then practically jumped when Jack grabbed his arm. "Come on, Jason. Let's get you to Daniel before the both of you spontaneously combust."

Jason rolled his eyes as he stood, tossing a hesitant glance at him. "It'll be completely your fault, Jack, I assure you."

Jack snorted disbelievingly. "I'm taking the fifth," he said conspiratorially and stood there waiting for Jason to get into the chair. Jason shook his head. "Jason..."

"Come on, you can escort me," Jason said and gave back one of his own charming smiles.

Despite himself, Jack was disarmed by it. He gave Jason a dangerous look then, and ushered him to the door. "Fine, but if you get dizzy--"

"I'm not going to get dizzy," Jason replied mischievously, "unless you call me 'handsome' again."

Jack growled and pushed him out his door. "You're as bad as Daniel."

Daniel had finally gotten his emotions under control and was able to concentrate for a little while on his work. He'd managed it by carefully convincing himself that what he had thought he'd seen, he'd imagined. It was only because he'd wanted to see Jason so much that he'd overreacted. After that, the only thing that had kept him in his office and not at Jason's bedside was guilt about Jack's kiss...and how he'd reacted to it wholeheartedly. He knew he had to tell Jason, but wasn't sure how. Their relationship was now a very solid one, and for better or worse, there was no way he'd leave him for Jack.

After convincing himself that Jason was probably too tired or too...busy...to see him, he'd succeeded in getting some work done. He was almost through with the current translation when Jack knocked on the door and barged in.

"Hey, Daniel, I come bearing gifts."

Daniel snorted without looking up. "I bet. Jack, I'm tryin' to finish this. Could you please come back later?"

"Okay, but I'll just leave the gift and go."

"Fine."

Jack grinned as Jason stared fixedly at Daniel, then flirted with him once more by catching his attention and winking at him as he left, closing the door behind him. As Jack walked down the hall, absurdly pleased with himself, he realized just how much he'd been flirting with both Daniel and Jason that day. Thinking hard about why he'd been doing it, he was no more near an answer about Jason when he got to his on-base quarters. He laid down on the bed, his thoughts still running round and round. He knew why he'd been flirting with Daniel but why Jason? He grudgingly admitted that there were a lot of reason to flirt with the man, but him being Daniel's lover was the one reason he shouldn't have been.

His mind then went to what the two of them were likely doing right then and his hand absently moved down and began rubbing over his partial erection. Would they be feeling each other up? Or maybe, sucking? Fucking? On the couch? Against the door? Jack quickly lost himself in the imagery as he opened his trousers and pushed them down, then curled his fingers around his cock, held his balls in his other hand, and began to fantasize.

At seeing Daniel, Jason's heart leapt to his throat. He really hadn't realized how much he'd missed seeing him until right at that moment. Hearing his voice sent chills through him, and now, standing here, watching him, he felt his groin stirring magnificently in response. He wanted to go over and grab him, but he decided to wait until Daniel noticed him. When Daniel continued to write for another minute, Jason couldn't stand to wait any longer and he cleared his throat. Daniel looked up, startled. When he saw Jason, he dropped his pen.

"Jason?" he whispered hoarsely. The emotions he thought he had so under control spilled out and Jason noticed the strain in his eyes.

"Hey Daniel," he said softly, as he started to walk over to Daniel's desk. "I had a talk with Jack and...are you mad at me for talking to Aaron?"

Daniel stared at Jason for the longest time. In fact, all he could do was stare...at Jason's chest and shoulders and how the black tee stretched across the muscles; at his lips, with their pouty fullness and how his five o'clock shadow enhanced their shape; at his dark brown eyes, filled with longing and want, and how they seemed to grow darker; at his hair, so jet black, thick and silky, and how it seemed invite his fingers to run through it; and at his hands, ones that held long, capable, talented fingers, and how they invited his own to interlock.

Jason was just as mesmerized, watching Daniel stand, taking in the golden glow of his dark brownish auburn hair; the amazing color of his blue eyes and how they seemed to change color with the lighting of a room; his strong, angular jaw, and those full, alluring lips, inviting his own; the seductive line of his neck and throat, holding the promise of something further down; Daniel's own black tee, hidden under his fatigue shirt, holding that wide, sexy chest; and those trousers, filled with narrow hips, round buttocks, and the long, slender legs that would...

"No, Jace. I'm not mad," Daniel said quietly as he held out his hand.

"Come here," Jason whispered. "I want to let you know that it was just a talk and that there's nothing to be jealous of," and he reached out, taking Daniel's fingers in his own, and pulled Daniel toward him. "Doc's released me, and maybe you should thank Jack for that."

"You said you had a talk with Jack?" Daniel asked as he stepped past him, still holding his hand, and went for the door.

"Yes, and he asked me about Aaron, told me you weren't going to come see me until you got your jealousy under control."

"Really?" Daniel whispered, as he locked the door with one hand then gave Jason his undivided attention once more.

"Really. You're not jealous are y--" Jason started but his words were cut off as Daniel shoved him against the door and kissed the life out of him. Jason kissed him back eagerly, taking his tongue into his mouth to taste hungrily what he'd held in his mind for the past few days. He felt Daniel's fingers comb through his hair and grip tightly and the action made him moan into his mouth. He moaned again as Daniel's other hand grasped and massaged the back of one thigh, skyrocketing his desire.

Daniel abruptly pulled away and pulled Jason to the couch then gently pushed him down to sit. He went to his closet next, found a towel, threw it over the back of the couch, then returned to Jason, his eyes burning with intense want. Daniel was hungry and he wanted to taste Jason. He knelt down between his legs and pushed them apart, watching Jason's eyes grow wide with shock and desire.

"I've been waiting to do this all...damn...day," he said with hunger.

While keeping his gaze locked on Jason's, he undid his belt and zipper, then pulled the pants down over his hips. Jason was so aroused by Daniel's actions that the only sound that escaped him was a hiss of breath as Daniel took his cock into his mouth. His fingers clenched in Daniel's shoulders as he jerked upward from the contact of Daniel's busy wet tongue. Just as he was sure he'd make a personal record for fast orgasms, Daniel pulled away. Jason opened his eyes in shock at the cold air that now greeted his dick.

"Don't worry," Daniel said in a deep, husky tone. "I have every intention of making you come...sooner, not later," Daniel told him breathlessly as he pushed Jason to lie down, leaving his trousers down past his buttocks, his cock throbbing with the need for relief. Placing a pillow under Jason's head and shoulders, Daniel stood next to him and unbelted and unzipped. Jason reached up to take his dick in his hand but Daniel gently pushed his hand away. Pushing his pants down past his hips, he got up on the couch and straddled Jason, but not his hips as Jason expected; he straddled his chest. Silently, Daniel's eyes asked Jason to take him in his mouth. Jason did so, eagerly, as his hands firmly massaging his ass. Before Jason could get too far into it, Daniel pulled away, not letting himself get any more than he gave Jason.

He pushed off him, then adjusted his pants and lay down over his lover's full length. "I can't wait until I can get you home, push you over the side of the sofa, and bury myself deep inside your gorgeous ass."

"God, yes," Jason growled as Daniel took both of their cocks in his hand and rubbed his body up and down, thrusting his hips as he went. The friction of both cocks together was delicious, and Daniel moaned as he captured Jason's mouth with his own once more, feeling his desire mount even more as Jason wound his arms around him and thrust up, adding to the friction they desperately needed.

With continuous moans and a seemingly neverending kiss, their sexual need rose higher and more desperate. Their cocks were in tandem now and Daniel let go of their sweat-glistened skin and pressed his hips into Jason, grinding hard. Jason lifted up, rubbing and thrusting back feverishly as his hands clamped down on Daniel's ass, intensifying their grind.

It didn't take long and with Daniel's hard kisses and bites along his jaw, Jason came first, gasping and panting his stifled cries against Daniel's neck while his fingers dug into his buttocks. Spurred by the fierceness of his grip, Daniel came immediately afterward, his own breath harsh and short as his semen spilled out onto Jason's belly.

Neither wanted to come down off the high, nor did they want to separate. They rubbed their semen into each other, kissing and fondling, stroking and petting, riding out the afterglow. Daniel leaned down to take one of Jason's nipples in his mouth and he pulled, making Jason gasp and arch slightly. More caresses with lips and tongues were traded back and forth, each motion and taste getting softer and quieter until both their bodies had calmed. Daniel reached over and took the towel from the back of the couch, then carefully cleaned them both, dipping down frequently to kiss Jason's slightly bruised lips.

Before someone decided to interrupt, Daniel got himself dressed, watching Jason as he did the same. They sat next to each other now, lethargic from their orgasms, and rested their heads on the back of the couch. Jason stared into Daniel's face and finally, he had to ask...again.

"Daniel, are you upset with me for talking to Aaron?"

Daniel had been looking down at Jason's fingers entwined with his, then looked up in sudden surprise. "What? No, Jason. I'm not."

"Just so you know, I don't love Aaron any more, Daniel. Yes, I was upset when we broke up, but like I said that day in the locker room, I was over him. When he came to visit me today, I realized that though I still care about him as a friend, I don't have any residual feelings for him. He did ask if we could get together again...and I had to tell him no. That I'm in love with someone else."

Daniel stared back at him, his jaw working, then he pulled him into a deep kiss. When they parted, panting, Daniel whispered, "I can't wait till we get home because come hell or high water...I'm so going to prove to you how badly I want you, how much I love you, and...how creative I can be in expressing myself."

Jason growled and nipped his ear. "You brat," he whispered and pulled Daniel into another kiss as he pushed him onto his back. Daniel wrapped a leg around him and moaned down his throat. When his hands slid inside the back of Jason's trousers, Jason broke the kiss, gasping against his lips. "Damn you, you're making me hard again," and kissed him fiercely.

Daniel smiled through the kiss, loving how riled up he could get Jason. Forcing himself to pull away, he nipped at Jason's cheek. "You are so easy."

Jason groaned. "I am..." then he felt something under Daniel's trousers and grinned devilishly. "Seems like I'm not the only one."

"No, that's what happens when I tease you. I end up teasing myself right back."

Jason smiled and leaned in for another round of kissing. Knowing he could easily lose track of time doing this with Daniel, he finally pushed up and sat against the back of the couch. "We have to stop this. I'm stuck on base until my team and I are cleared," he groused, "and someone's going to come find me for more blood work so..."

Daniel groaned his disappointment. "Well, maybe you can visit me here...or I can get Jack to escort me for a visit..."

Jason smiled in agreement, then fingered a belt loop in Daniel's trousers. "I want you so much right now."

"Me, too, Jace. Maybe we should think of other stuff or we'll get into some very frustrating trouble."

This time, Jason agreed. For a few more hours, they managed to talk about nothing important until Jason convinced Daniel to let him help him with his work. Nothing had been said about the kiss Jack had given Daniel, so Jason had let it go for the time being.

A little while later, one of Janet's nurses came by to take Jason back to the infirmary for some more blood collection. Just in case they might be tempting fate in getting caught, and they each knew it was likely, Daniel and Jason reluctantly parted and went to their respective quarters for some much-needed sleep.

Some time around 4 am, a member of the Tok'ra came through the gate with the zatarc device. Jack had been the senior officer present, so Master Sergeant Davis had gone to get him from his quarters. Jack called Hammond and was given the go-ahead to proceed without him while Hammond had said he would be in later. Setting up in the Isolation Lab 4, they waited for Janet to arrive, then Jason and his team, along with the Tok'ra operative, were cleared by 6 am. Afterward, Jason and his teammates went to the gear-up and locker room they shared with SG-1 and changed into their civilian clothes to go home. When Jason entered the elevator to go up to Daniel's office, he ran into Jack.

"Colonel," he greeted with a grin.

"Major. Going home?"

Jason smiled a bit. "Eventually...after I've rounded up Daniel. You get any sleep, sir?"

Jack shrugged. "A little...not enough."

Jason hit the Level 18 button but Jack reached over and cancelled it and hit sub-level 25 for him instead. Jason frowned.

"He's not in his office. He's in his on-base quarters."

Jason made a sound of disgust. "God, I'm more tired than I thought. I forgot. Normally, he hates those quarters."

"Yeah, I know. I usually have to threaten him to sleep in there when we're stuck on the mountain for security reasons."

Jason was suddenly reminded of the admission of the kiss. "Sir, I didn't ask Daniel--"

"Major, I may want Daniel for myself, but I'll not begrudge his own happiness. Interfering would only damage our friendship and probably bring it to an untimely death, and I won't allow that. Besides, Daniel already told me not to mess with things."

"He did?" Jason asked, surprised. Jack nodded. "But...Daniel loves you, I don't see how..."

"No buts and yes, I know that...but he loves you, too. You're a decent guy, Jason," Jack emphasized, reminding him that the nature of their discussion was personal, and therefore, very informal. "Make him happy and I'll try like crazy to be contented with that. Okay?"

Jason shook his head at him. "This is so not fair. How can he be in love with two people? I know he cares about me but..."

"Don't sell yourself short."

Jason was startled by Jack's compassionate attitude. He wasn't given to being that way openly and Jason knew it was out of his love and respect for Daniel. Jack was doing his hero thing again, and giving up his own heart because he loved Daniel so much. It shamed Jason.

"Sir...Jack....he loves you, and loved you, first...I think maybe I'm the one who should step aside..."

"Don't you dare. Let's just leave it up to Daniel, whaddya think?"

"Well, then maybe you should follow your own advice and not back away, either."

Jack stared at Jason very carefully. "Are you saying we should both see him, if he wants it?"

Jason felt a flush creeping up this throat. "Um, well...I was planning on asking him about it, especially considering how he feels about you...I'm just trying to get up the nerve."

"Are you serious, Jason?" Jack asked, still quite shocked that Jason would even think up such a thing.

Jason thought about it and then nodded. "Yes."

"Why? What could possibly make you want to share him?"

Jason knew that was the crux. Sharing. "Well...maybe because I feel like he's denying himself. I know he loves you and wants to be with you. Remember, I've been his best friend longer than I've been his lover. I do have an idea of what he wants...and who he loves."

"You don't think he loves you?" Jack asked guardedly.

"Yes, Jack, I think - I know - he does, but he loves you, too and you need to stop pretending he doesn't just love you as a friend. And so, I think I'll bring it up and talk about it."

Jack looked at him squarely, and after a silent minute, he shook his head. "No, Jason. Don't talk to him about this." Jack's tone was adamant.

"Why?"

Jack didn't answer. Jason guessed from the look on Jack's face and the way he was clenching his jaw that Jack would rather sacrifice his own happiness then give anymore hassle to Daniel; Jack was too insufferably modest sometimes, like Daniel. But Jack's biggest difference was that his ego was a lot bigger - considering what he did for a living, it had to be - and when he went after something, he almost always got it. It was something else that Jason admired, and desired, in the man.

"I hate to sound like an echo but, don't you think you could leave that up to Daniel?"

Jack stared into his eyes for a moment and Jason felt a deeper warmth. Why did the man have to be so...Jason suddenly knew that if it weren't for his love for Daniel, and if it weren't for them being where they were, he'd give the man a kiss that would set him on fire. Jason abruptly realized that that was his own ego talking and dismissed the thought immediately. Despite Jack's flirting, Jack wouldn't possibly react in kind.

Jack noticed his gaze, recognized it as desire and actively felt something in return, seeing for the second time what Daniel saw in Jason...only this time, what he saw had nothing to do with Jason's character. Before either man could say anything else, the doors for sub-level 25 opened up. Jason stepped out and when he turned to say goodbye, Jack gestured for him to keep going as he indicated that he too was leaving the elevator car. Jason kept going, looking over his shoulder, giving Jack a raised brow in question.

"Just making sure you reach your destination safely, Major."

Jason's brow went up further and he could have sworn that Jack was flirting again. If he was, he may as well give it back. "Watching my six?" He smiled and snorted loudly in surprise as Jack's eyes went down to his jeans-covered ass.

When Jack's eyes met Jason's, he seemed to recover quickly - as usual. "Nice six."

Jason snorted again as they reached Daniel's door. "Backatcha."

Jack gave him a sarcastic grin. "Okay, you need glasses, Jason."

Jason shook his head as he raised his hand to knock on Daniel's door but Jack grabbed his hand. He gave Jason a very devious look that sent even more warmth through Jason. Or maybe it was his contact. Jason wasn't quite sure.

"What?"

"I have an idea."

Jason looked at him warily. "I've heard about your ideas."

Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Jack slid the key card through the lock mechanism and opened the door quietly. He put a finger to his lips to tell Jason to be quiet and carefully closed the door behind them. They turned to look over at the bed and didn't need to focus their eyes because Daniel had gone to sleep with the light on. He lay on his back on top of the bedcovers, his face turned away from them. Both arms were up around his head, hugging either side of his pillow...and he was wearing only his boxers.

Both Jason and Jack had to stifle a groan.

Jack looked overhead to make sure the room's camera was off, though he knew Daniel wouldn't be lying there in his underwear if he hadn't turned the camera off. As Jack crept toward the bed, Jason was still suspicious of what Jack wanted to do. Jack pulled him to one side and whispered in his ear.

"Get down and kiss his neck."

Jason dropped his mouth open in confusion but Jack's demeanor convinced him go through with it simply out of curiosity. He also knew that Jack was flirting with him again and Jason felt his groin warming and tried to ignore it as he knelt next to the bed, and leaned over, touching his lips and nose to Daniel's neck.

Jesus, he smelled good.

Daniel sighed, and without waking, he leaned into Jason's touch. Jason couldn't help it and for a second, he actually forgot Jack was there. Feeling an irresistible pull, he softly nuzzled Daniel's neck. He was made aware of Jack, who had knelt next to him and placed his face next to Jason's.

Jack mouthed the words "Kiss him again."

Jason gave him an amused smile and brushed his lips under Daniel's ear, eliciting a moan. Jack grinned and nudged Jason to continue. Jason placed a soft kiss under Daniel's ear just as Jack leaned forward to whisper directly into his ear.

"Daniel..." he said as seductively as he could. Jason's eyes grew large with shock...and felt his own dick get hard at the sound of that voice.

As for Daniel, his eyes shot open. He knew he'd felt Jason's lips on his neck; he'd smelled his scent; then the next thing he knew, he'd heard Jack's voice. Was he dreaming? He was suddenly awake and as he went to sit up quickly, he banged his head into Jason's.

"Ow!"

"Ow!"

Jack sat back and laughed his ass off.

"Bastard!" Daniel growled, then focused on Jason. "He make you do that?"

Jason smirked as he rubbed his forehead. "No one can make me do anything except you and him so...stupid question, Daniel."

"Bastards!!" Daniel repeated, but in plural, as he rubbed his cheekbone.

"I didn't know he was going to do that, Daniel," Jason finally admitted.

"What the hell did you think he was going to do, Jace?"

"I thought he was going to scare you, yell in your ear that the Goa'uld were here...or something..." and at Daniel's disbelieving glare, he amended, "Okay, so that excuse sounds lame."

Growling at the both of them, he finally sat up, then realized that Jason was in his civilian clothes. "What else is going on?" then he turned to the clock, but it was fuzzy. "And what the hell time is it?"

Jack finally stopped laughing and put his hand out for a help up. When Jason did, he pulled too sharply and brought Jack up against him. They were both then surprised when their bodies reacted favorably. Jack cleared his throat and Jason turned round and looked for Daniel's clothes.

"One, SG-2 has been cleared," Jack informed him. "The Tok'ra were just here with that detector device, and two, the time is 06:38."

Daniel groaned and lay back down, putting the pillow over his face, then pulled it down and looked over at both of them. The short interaction between them had been there and it hadn't escaped his attention. He'd seen the...what was the word Jack used?...sparkage...that was it. He'd noticed it, and curiously, he wasn't jealous of it like he'd been of Pierce and Jason. One thing that confused him was why the two weren't reacting - or freaking - more than they should have for a first time event...unless this wasn't a first time event. He creased his brow with suspicion.

"What's going on, guys?"

"Time to go home and get in your own bed. We have two days off," Jack told him, purposely not answering what Daniel really meant.

Daniel groaned. "'Bout fucking time...and don't think I didn't notice that smooth segue, Jack." He got dressed very quickly, surprising both men and had headed to the door before they realized.

"Well?" he asked, then purposely said, "Do I go by myself or do the two of you want some time alone?"

Jason and Jack got such looks on their faces that that Daniel now knew something big was starting to brew between them...and still, he wasn't angry about it. Instead, he smiled. Especially at Jack's reaction.

"See-you-in-two-days-Daniel-Jason-you-need-anything-scream," Jack rattled off rapidly as he tried to beat a hasty retreat...but Daniel grabbed him.

"Huh uh, Jack. You're coming with. Whatever you two have been up to, I want you to tell me."

"There nothing going on," the both of them said in more or less the same words. Daniel knew there was and teasing them about it was going to be fun.

Jack turned to Jason. "See what I have to put up with?" he said, trying to sound extremely put upon, but both of them knew it was an act. Jack so loved Daniel this way...even during missions.

"I'm going to my office to wait for Hammond, or any relief he sends, then I'm going home. I'll talk to you two later." Daniel started to object, and Jack held up a finger. "Aht! No arguments. Go."

"Fine, but you come over later...okay?" Without getting an answer, Daniel found himself being led to the elevator, then feeling Jason's hand brushed against his groin as the elevator doors closed.

"You are in such big trouble," Daniel threatened in a husky voice.

"I'm in trouble? Pot, kettle, black, Daniel," Jason said as he returned Daniel's look and Daniel snorted in response.

"Think I'm talking about your hand? Ha."

The two stepped inside Daniel's house, arguing. Jason shut the door while Daniel had his mouth occupied with the business end of a latte cup, drinking down his second cup.

"Daniel, you're gonna be wired now. You didn't need to have two of them," Jason lightly scolded.

"Oh yes, I did."

Setting the cup down, Daniel quickly shrugged out of his jacket, absentmindedly hanging it up next to Jason's as he stared at him. His lover walked backward down the hall, toeing off his shoes as his shirt flew off.

"I want you," Jason whispered as he reached the bathroom.

Daniel growled at him as his clothes were quickly discarded. As Jason hastily fumbled with the front of his jeans, staring at a now nude lover, Daniel reached out and grabbed his zipper.

"Need help?" he asked as he helped Jason out of his jeans and shorts.

"Definitely," Jason returned, his excited breathing making his voice sound gravelly. Daniel gave him a lustful smile as he turned on the shower and checked the temperature before stepping inside. He held his hand out to his lover who eagerly joined him under the hot spray. Moaning through a firey kiss, their hands sought out skin to explore and caress as their need heightened unbearably.

"Crap," Daniel suddenly uttered as he saw that one thing was missing from the bathroom. "Hold that...thought," he said as he got out. Jason leaned against the wall, his hand on his dick, stroking slowly as his excitement climbed.

"Hurry up."

Daniel went to the bedroom, retrieved the lube, then returned. The steam was already filling the bathroom and as Jason had left the curtain open, he paused for a second to look at the man's wet, glistening body.

"What took you so long?" Jason asked seductively as he looked over his shoulder. Daniel smiled and stepped back inside the shower, pushing his wet hair off his face.

"Traffic was a bitch," he whispered breathlessly, then turned Jason around and pulled him into a frenzied kiss, taking his tongue around his own as if it were his last meal. Jason returned his embrace, tightly wrapping his arms around him and rubbing hard against him. They could both feel it; their need was much too intense to waste on any further foreplay. Jason broke away, gasping, as he heard the cap of the lube pop open.

"Daniel, I need you so bad."

"Turn around, Jace," Daniel ordered as his hands caressed down his thighs as he guided him around. As he kissed his way down his back, nipping along the contours of his muscles, his deft fingers slipped between his buttocks, prying them apart. When his mouth reached his ass, he teased his tongue over the puckered entrance, causing Jason to gasp with want and need. Daniel worked him into a frenzy, making his lover emit harsh sounds of need as two lubed fingers massaged his opening, then pushed inside.

"God, yes, Daniel," Jason panted as he pressed his cheek against the tile.

"Open your legs," Daniel demanded huskily, and as Jason complied, Daniel's hand reached around to stroked his erection, his thumb moving up to rub circles over the head. He lovingly prepared his lover, delighting in the way he made him feel. Unable to resist, he started to turn Jason around to take his cock into his mouth, but Jason stopped him.

"No, Daniel, I need you now."

"Jason..." Daniel argued as he nipped over his hip but Jason was adamant.

"Now, Daniel, please," he urged, panting rapidly.

"You want it bad, don't you?" Daniel teased as his tongue ran over a firm globe of buttock.

"Yes, yes, now, dammit."

"Suffer," came Daniel's reply as he began to fuck him with his fingers. Jason tried to thrust, but didn't know which direction to go as Daniel's fingers and hand did their work...winding him up further. When his prostate was brushed, Jason tensed and pushed Daniel's fingers away from him.

"Fuck me now!!" he cried out as his fingers clawed at the tiles and his legs began to tremble. Daniel grabbed the lube and stood up, prepared his cock hastily, then positioned his cock and pushed inside Jason's body.

"Yes!" Jason cried out, raising his ass to get Daniel to go deep. Daniel anxiously held Jason's waist as he sheathed himself deep inside, his nerves overwhelmed by Jason's hot cavity. When at last he was balls-deep, he ground against him, rubbing against his lover's prostate.

"Fuck...me," Jason gasped as the waves of pleasure coursed through him. Rocking his hips forward, Daniel began to move in and out, adjusting his thrusts. Jason felt so glorious, so hot, so tight and he knew he couldn't hold back for long. He moved in short, controlled strokes as his hands moved down to busy themselves around Jason's cock, stroking the shaft and squeezing the glans.

"Ah God, yes, please..." Jason begged and dropped his head back on Daniel's shoulder, just as Daniel's strokes increased in speed.

"You like this?"

"Yes, Daniel. God, I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too, Jace. You feel so good. So fucking good," Daniel whispered against his neck. His harsh, trembling breaths told Jason he was close and Jason raised himself up even higher, tightening his muscles. Daniel bit down on his shoulder, moaning with the intense ecstasy as he now sped up, pistoning hard and fast, his hands masturbating his lover's cock with maddening efficiency.

"Daniel...Yes!" Jason cried out as his body began to shake and his fingers clawed at the tiles. He came hard and long, pouring over Daniel's hand, blinded by everything but his lover's touch. As his body spasmed and shuddered, his anal muscles gripped Daniel's rapidly moving cock and brought him an explosive climax.

"Oh God...Jason...yes!" Daniel crowed, then let go of Jason's cock and grasped his hips with tight fingers, pounding into him as he came and came. The hot liquid seemed to spurt endlessly into Jason, as his orgasm sent him into orbit. Finally, he went rigid, holding Jason tightly against him as his body shook uncontrollably. "I love you, Jason. God, I love you."

When he pulled out of Jason, he found himself too weak to stand and dropped to his knees. Jason turned around and dropped down next to him, taking Daniel into his arms in a loving embrace.

"I love you back," Jason whispered against his cheek, then kissed him tender and deep. Daniel pulled away to breathe, and kissed over Jason's face, the beaded water from the showerhead above slaking his parched throat.

They sat there for a time, unwilling to move, until the very last of the euphoria drained from them. When they were able to stand, they went through slow, languorous motions as they washed each other clean.

Daniel slowly opened his eyes to soft streams of sunlight over his hair and face. He had to make his brain work, to try and remember what day it was...then for a sharp moment, his eyes went wide, wondering if he'd somehow overslept. Pushing rapidly up on his elbows, he automatically found the alarm clock. It was 1:30 pm. Afternoon? He'd overslept till...then he remembered...with a slow smile. He didn't get home till 7 that morning, and didn't get into bed until probably 7:30...or however long it was that he and Jason had been in the shower.

He turned to look for him, but Jason wasn't there. Then he smelled it...sitting next to his alarm clock. How could he have missed that? Coffee. Leaning on one elbow, he drank. It was still hot. Eagerly drinking more, the rest of his senses awoke...and his sense of smell found the odors wafting from the kitchen. Soon after, he realized two things. One, he was hungry as a bear after hibernation, and two, Jason was making his breakfast specialty: homemade biscuit and egg sandwiches. Unwilling to let go of his coffee mug, Daniel sipped on his elixir as he swung his legs slowly off the bed. As soon as he was fully vertical, he emptied the cup, then pulled on a pair of shorts and headed for the kitchen to investigate the smells...and get a refill.

He found Jason, in his shorts, flipping an omelette...and it was then that the other unidentifiable smells came to him. Onions and cheese. Jason spied him and turned down the heat, before pulling Daniel into his arms for a long good-morning kiss.

"Have a nice sleep?"

Daniel smiled. "Best damn sleeping pill I've ever known is you...so yeah." Jason gave him another long kiss for that one, then let him go and returned to the stove as Daniel refilled his mug. "I'd have added other stuff to the eggs, but we're out and need to make a run to the store. Breakfast will be done when you're done in the bathroom."

"Thanks." Daniel smiled over the edge of his coffee mug. "Have I mentioned how much I love you?"

"Maybe once or twice," Jason said with a sly smile. "We're getting sappy, aren't we?"

Daniel only smiled as he walked back down the hall to disappear for his 'morning' routine.

On to 'Epilogue'

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