New Fic - Taking Chances Part Two
Second part as it's too big for one post.
Part One
Nicky sat at his table colouring in while his mommy worked next to him. He liked when he got to sit with her and pretend he was doing important things like she was. He was going to be five years old tomorrow, a big boy and he was looking forward to his birthday party. Nicky just wished that his Uncle Daniel would be able to come but Mommy kept telling him that Uncle Daniel was very busy with work and might not be able to come for the party.
When the phone rang Nicky looked up but his mommy waved him back to his drawing as she took the phone into the other room.
x
“Does he know I’m coming?” Daniel asked after he’d shared the fond hello with Sha’re.
Sha’re chuckled softly, “Of course not. I want you to be a surprise.”
She heard his laugh before sensing the hesitation from the other side of the call, “Daniel?”
“I have another surprise for Nicky,” he confessed, “Jack‘s coming with me. He’s going to hire a plane and take Nicky up for a couple of hours as a birthday present. If you don’t mind.”
“And if I do?” she teased.
Daniel let out a long sigh, “If I was there I’m sure I could persuade you. So that’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
“You are so sure you can change my mind,” Sha’re lowered her voice, “Aren’t you?”
“I think we have established precedent on that one,” Daniel teased with a chuckle, “Or have you forgotten?”
“Hmm, my Daniel,” Sha’re breathed feeling a tingle as she thought back, “You need to remember to behave or you will be sleeping in the guest room again.”
“Where will you put Jack?”
Sha’re laughed, “He can have the guest room and you can sleep on the couch. And it’s not a comfortable couch to sleep on. Trust me.”
“Then I better make sure you’ve forgiven me before bedtime,” Daniel replied, she could hear the enjoyment of their teasing in his voice.
“I have to go,” Sha’re told him, “I have to make Nicky his dinner.”
“I love you,” Daniel said softly, “And I’ll see you tomorrow.”
x
Sha’re laughed as Nicky raced around the back yard with his friends. He’d been as high as a kite all day from the moment he’d opened his eyes at 5 am and Sha’re had tried to be as indulgent as possible. Thankfully Debbie and Mike had brought the boys over early to help her set up for his party so Sha’re didn’t have to spend all her time watching over him. Checking the clock she hoped Daniel’s flight wouldn’t be delayed today as she was going to wait until he’d arrived before bringing out the birthday cake.
“I thought Daniel would be here,” Debbie said as she arrived back inside after setting out some food.
Sha’re smiled, “Really?”
“Spill,” Debbie demanded.
Sha’re smiled even more, “His plane lands in just under an hour. He’s my big surprise for Nicky.”
Debbie chuckled, “And I bet that means you get a nice present too.”
Sha’re rolled her eyes at her friend, “You have a one track mind.”
“Hey, I’m not the one whose boyfriend lives in another state,” Debbie reminded her before picking up the bowls of chips sitting there and heading back outside.
x
Sha’re nervously checked her watch wondering where Daniel was. His flight had landed on time, she’d checked and he should have been there by now. Nicky was enjoying his birthday but he’d asked several times in the past ten minutes when they would have cake.
“He’ll be here,” Debbie murmured as she passed Sha’re with some more drinks.
Before Sha’re could reply the bell rang and relief filled her.
“Sorry,” Daniel murmured as he kissed her hello, “We were caught in traffic.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Sha’re grinned before looking behind him at the man standing there, “Hello, Jack. It is so good to see you again.”
“And you,” he greeted her with a smile, “So, is there cake?”
“Jack,” Daniel rolled his eyes but didn’t get a chance to say anything else as Sha’re motioned them in.
“Put your bags down,” she told them, “I have to light the candles then when the cake comes out you follow. Okay?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” the two men grinned in unison making her roll her eyes.
x
Nicky beamed as everyone began to sing to him, his eyes widened as he saw the large cake his mommy was carrying in with five candles on it. As she moved to place the cake down Nicky saw the two men following her.
“Uncle Daniel,” Nicky cried leaping out of his chair and throwing himself at the man he didn’t think would be there.
“Hi, kiddo,” Daniel hugged Nicky tightly, “Happy Birthday. I brought someone else with me.”
Nicky looked at him confused before glancing over Daniel’s shoulder and squirmed out of Daniel’s arms to get to the other man, “Jack.”
“Make a wish and blow out your candles,” Sha’re said smiling as Daniel slipped his arm around her waist.
Nicky closed his eyes and made his birthday wish before blowing out his candles, as everyone cheered he grinned and hugged his uncle happy to see him.
x
Sha’re gasped as Daniel pushed her against the wall of her bedroom and pressed his lips to hers in a deep kiss, his body moulded to hers as their fingers entwined.
“There are people downstairs,” Sha’re murmured, “We should go back down.”
“Minute,” Daniel breathed back, “I just want to say hello properly.”
Sha’re sighed softly and relaxed into her boyfriend’s kisses. She was so happy he’d managed to arrange things so he could visit for Nicky’s birthday. When they parted Daniel smiled at her.
“So am I still sleeping on the couch?” Daniel murmured softly in her ear.
Sha’re chuckled, “I think you have persuaded me but be on your best behaviour for the rest of the day.”
Daniel wrapped his arm around her waist and they started back downstairs to rejoin the party where Jack was currently telling the kids a story which had them all listening enraptured.
“And what have you two been doing?” Debbie murmured as she walked passed them to go get a fresh drink.
*********************************************
Jack sat watching Daniel as he read to Nicky smiling at how comfortable his friend was with the little boy when only last year if there was a child Daniel would step back for either Jack or Teal’c to deal with them. A mug of coffee appeared before him and Jack looked up to nod a thanks to Sha’re receiving a soft smile back as she took a seat on the couch.
“Thank you,” Sha’re said softly, “It is very nice of you to come here just to take Nicky on a flight for his birthday.”
Jack shrugged, “He’s a good kid and I don’t get to show off that often. If you want you can come but I think Daniel wants you to himself for a few hours.”
The young woman laughed, “I do not want to disappoint him.”
They sat in silence for a few moments before Sha’re spoke up again, “I am so relieved you’re safe. When Daniel told me he what had happened, he was devastated.”
Jack shrugged, “I knew they’d find a way to get me home. I know my team pretty well. And I knew Daniel would be okay because he has you.”
Sha’re blushed slightly as she smiled, “I know he loves me, I’m just not ready to tell him yet.”
Jack squeezed her hand, “He knows.”
x
Sha’re lay exhausted next to her lover laughing as he slid close to her again, “Daniel, you need to let me catch my breath.”
“Yeah, but we don’t have long left,” he reminded her as he slid his lips along her neck, “Jack will be calling soon to let us know they’re on their way back.”
“Good point,” Sha’re laughed sliding her arms around him finding his lips on hers.
They lost themselves in each other again and Sha’re held onto him whispering his name as he murmured hers. Sha’re knew how she felt for the man she was currently wrapped around but something was just stopping her telling him.
“You know,” Daniel sighed as he lay beside her again, “I really should thank Jack for making me go running and build my stamina.”
Sha’re laughed again, she loved this feeling - relaxed and exhilarated, safe and comfortable.
“Sorry I have to leave tomorrow so early,” Daniel murmured.
Sha’re cuddled close to him, “You have to protect the world. I can’t really argue against that, can I?”
“I want to spend more time with you,” Daniel told her, “Both of you.”
Sha’re kissed him, “I know but unless one of us moves…”
Her next thought was cut off as the phone rang and Daniel reached over to answer it. Sha’re instantly knew it was Jack warning them he and Nicky were on their way home so slid out of bed so she could have a quick shower.
“Where are you going?” Daniel reached out and snagged her wrist pulling her back onto the bed.
“Do you really want Nicky asking why we’re not dressed and look like we’ve been running about in the sun?” she asked making Daniel groan before adding, “You could join me in the shower.”
Daniel quickly let her go and bounced up, “Sure.”
x
The next morning as Jack and Daniel were preparing to leave Daniel hugged his nephew tightly. Nicky had loved spending time with Jack and the flight Jack had taken him on had been regaled to them over and over in the few hours before he’d fallen asleep. As Jack caught Nicky for a hug Daniel turned to Sha’re wrapping his arms around her.
“Love you,” he murmured softly, “And I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Sha’re sighed holding onto him, “Call me every night you can.”
Daniel grinned at her before kissing her quickly, “I promise.”
As he joined Jack in the cab Daniel sighed, it was getting harder and harder to leave.
*********************************************
Sha’re frowned as she heard the doorbell, she had been happily curled up reading a book waiting for Daniel to call. As much as she disliked the distance between them their phone-calls were always enjoyable, Daniel knew how to make her blush even from so far away and Sha’re was always glad that these calls happened when Nicky was fast asleep.
With an annoyed sigh Sha’re placed her book to one side, a slight hope filling her that Daniel had somehow been able to make a surprise visit was quickly quashed as she opened the door to find Jack O’Neill and Janet Frasier standing there.
“What’s going on?” Sha’re demanded knowing instantly that something was wrong.
“Can we come in?” Jack asked his voice was soft making Sha’re more fearful than before.
Sha’re stepped back and let them inside, she slowly closed the door before turning to her visitors who were both looking tense.
“What’s happened to Daniel?” Sha’re nervously started to play with the pendant that sat at her neck, the one Daniel had given her for Christmas.
“He’s missing,” Jack told her, “On their recent mission the team found themselves in the middle of a civil war. The building they were in was hit by an explosive and although Carter and Teal’c made it back…”
Sha’re slowly sank onto the couch behind her as Jack trailed off, “How do you know he’s not dead?” Sha’re couldn’t stop herself from asking.
Jack sat beside her and rested his hand on her shoulder, “Because I know Daniel and until I have proof then I won’t give up on him. You just have to believe in him?”
Sha’re shook her head feeling numb not sure what to do or say right now, she felt light-headed and lost suddenly wishing she’d managed to tell Daniel how she felt about him, wishing she hadn’t been so afraid of letting down her defences.
x
Jack grimaced as he saw Sha’re’s eyes glaze, he glanced at Janet who moved to the young woman and checked her.
“Sha’re,” Janet said softly, “Sha’re, is there someone you want us to call to come and stay with you?”
The young woman looked up slowly looking a little confused at Janet’s presence before whispering, “Debbie.”
“What’s her number?” Jack asked as he picked up the phone.
Sha’re reached out and pressed the quick-dial button for her friend before she turned to Janet, “I need to check on Nicky.”
Janet nodded and gently rubbed Sha’re’s arm, “Okay, I’ll come with you while the General calls your friend.”
Sha’re nodded absently before mechanically leading Janet out of the room while Jack waited for the phone to be answered.
“Hello?” came the answer finally.
Jack took a deep breath and quickly explained everything to the woman on the other end of the phone.
“I’ll be right there,” the woman replied before the ring tone sounded in Jack’s ear.
Janet appeared a few moments later looking as tired as Jack felt. She sat down on the couch and rubbed at her temple as she let out a soft sigh.
“She’s sitting with Nicky,” Janet said sadly, “Just holding him as he sleeps. Jack, I’m worried about her. She’s in shock; I just hope the friend she asked for can help her come out of this.”
“Me too.”
x
It was less than twenty minutes later when the doorbell rang before the door opened revealing a woman as she put a key back in her pocket.
“Debbie,” Jack greeted her, “Nice to see you again, wish it were for a better reason.”
“Where’s Sha’re?” Debbie got straight to the point not wanting to be drawn into any kind of conversation until she knew her friend was alright.
“She’s with Nicky,” Janet spoke up before answering the unasked question, “Dr Janet Fraiser.”
Debbie gave a quick nod but before she could make a move to find her friend Sha’re appeared at the door, without a word Debbie moved and wrapped the younger woman in a tight embrace.
“Okay, honey,” Debbie soothed, “We’ll pack you and Nicky some things then you’ll come stay with us for a few days.”
As Sha’re nodded and wandered away Debbie frowned, “She’s never this compliant.”
“She’s in shock,” Janet said, “Just keep an eye on her for a few days.”
Jack handed Debbie a card, “This is my direct number if they need anything. We’ll call as soon as we have any news on Daniel.”
Debbie nodded, “Thank you.”
As Jack and Janet left the house Debbie headed to help her friend.
*********************************************
Sha’re lay on the bed in Debbie and Mike’s spare room staring out the window at the clouds in the sky. Sadness and fear had pulled her down making it hard to contemplate leaving this room for the moment. Nicky would appear every so often and climb up beside her letting her cuddle him for a while before he went back to play. He didn’t understand what was going on, they hadn’t explained that Daniel was missing just that he might not visit for a while.
“Okay, that’s it,” Debbie announced her presence, “You are leaving this room today. We’re having dinner and you’re joining us.”
“Debbie…”
“He’s just missing,” Debbie cut her off, “We don’t know anything other than that.”
Sha’re shook her head, “I told my mother that for a full year when my father disappeared. He never came back.”
“Listen to me,” Debbie said, “I know you’re upset but you have a son who needs you.”
“I know,” Sha’re whispered before sighing and sat up pulling her knees up to her chin, “I think I’m pregnant.”
“What?”
“I’m not sure,” she continued pushing her hand through her hair, “I was tidying up after Daniel’s last visit and I noticed one of the condoms had split.”
“Oh, honey,” Debbie whispered wrapping her arms around her friend, “Have you taken a test?”
Sha’re shook her head, “I’m too scared of the result. Debbie, I raised Nicky alone but that was a totally different situation. I know I’ve been acting like a spoiled child but…I’m so afraid. Daniel told me he loved me but I never told him.”
“That’s understandable,” Debbie soothed, “You’ve been hurt and you were trying to protect yourself.”
Sha’re closed her eyes as she rested her head against her best friend’s shoulder.
“Here’s the plan,” Debbie told her, “We’re going to go downstairs and have dinner then I will go pick up a test. We need to know so that we can start making some decisions on what to do.”
“We?”
Debbie gently brushed a stray curl behind Sha’re’s ear, “You’re not alone. Ever.”
x
Sha’re and Debbie sat on the bed waiting for the two minutes to be up so they could get the result of the test. Actually the two tests Debbie had gotten to make sure they got the right result.
“I don’t know what I want this to say,” Sha’re confessed as she nervously played with the quilt cover, “I’ve dreamt of having a family with Daniel but if he’s never coming back I don’t know if I can.”
“If you’re pregnant then we’ll work it out,” Debbie said, “Mike and I will be with you every step of the way. If Daniel never comes back we will deal. Times up, are you ready?”
Sha’re took a deep breath and nodded. Together they took a test each and looked at the result before swapping them.
Sha’re took a deep breath and felt her tears start to fall as Debbie hugged her.
*********************************************
Daniel stood on the doorstep of his girlfriend’s house relieved to finally be here after spending so long trapped in a world he thought he’d never escape. Jack had called Sha’re letting her know Daniel was safe while he was being tortured by Janet in the name of a post-mission medical. He’d spent every night dreaming of being back with the two most important people in his life and finally here he was. Typically he only had a few days with them before he had to get back to the SGC so he wanted to make the most of it.
He touched the doorbell and let it ring, waiting for a few seconds before he slid his key into the lock and opened the door.
“Sha’re? Nicky?” he called, Jack had told her he was coming so Daniel was confused at how quiet the house was.
As he walked further in Daniel dropped his bag on the couch before heading upstairs, he sighed in relief as he heard Sha’re’s soft voice coming from Nicky’s room. Daniel gently touched the door and opened it, smiling as he saw Sha’re sitting beside Nicky’s bed.
“Uncle Daniel,” Nicky cried happily before starting to cough.
Daniel moved to the little boy’s side, “What’s wrong, kiddo?”
Nicky pouted, “Not well.”
“He is to stay in bed for the next few days,” Sha’re spoke up, her eyes flicking over him as though she didn’t believe he was there, “Now, say goodnight and let him sleep.”
Daniel frowned, a little confused by the coldness of her tone but he ignored it for now as he crouched down next to Nicky’s bed. He hugged the boy tightly not caring that Nicky started to cough and splutter over him.
“I missed you, Uncle Daniel,” Nicky sighed as Daniel helped him lie down, “Why did you have to stay away for so long?”
Daniel stroked the little boy’s hair, feeling the heat of the fever on his skin, “I didn’t mean to be away so long but I had to. I’m back now and tomorrow I’ll make it up to you.”
“‘Kay,” the sleepy murmur came back as the boy slipped into a happy slumber.
Daniel kissed his forehead before covering him and looking up at Sha’re surprised that she didn’t smile back at him but walked out of the room.
x
Sha’re paced the lounge as she waited for Daniel to join her. When Jack had called the relief she’d felt was almost overwhelming but as the time passed between Jack’s call and Daniel arriving all she could think about was how she’d felt these past few months. How scared and alone, how every time the phone or the doorbell rang her heart leaped in a mixture of hope and dread.
“Sha’re?” Daniel’s questioning voice made her turn to where he stood, “I’ve missed you. Both of you,” he moved to her, “I dreamed of you every night.”
Sha’re stepped back as he reached for her seeing the confusion and hurt fill his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Daniel asked softly.
“Three months,” Sha’re whispered, “Three months, Daniel. I had no idea where you were or if you were even alive. You can’t expect me to just act as though that never happened?”
Daniel frowned, “I’m not but I thought you’d be happy to see me.”
“I am,” she said softly, “But I can’t be with you anymore. I can’t live like my mother did. You can use the spare room tonight but I’d prefer if from now on you stay at a hotel.”
Daniel dropped his head and rubbed his eyes, “Sha’re, I love you but what I do is important. You know that. I can’t leave the SGC because I know what’s out there and I want to protect you and Nicky.”
Sha’re felt tears fill her eyes and she turned from him, “Goodnight, Daniel.”
Leaving him in the lounge Sha’re ran upstairs to her room closing it fast so she could let her tears fall. She’d spent years being strong for her son and the last few months holding herself together, now Daniel was safe and in the same house it meant she could let go.
But she couldn’t put herself through anything like that again, she wouldn’t.
*********************************************
Jack watched his friend open another beer and frowned. Daniel wasn’t a big drinker normally, not because he couldn’t handle it as some people seemed to think, Daniel just didn’t like not being in complete control. Unfortunately right now control was the last thing Daniel had and he’d decided he may as well just go the whole hog.
“Daniel,” Jack said softly, “Don’t you think you’ve had enough?”
The glare he received back didn’t really worry Jack, Daniel wasn’t a mean drunk he just had a tendency to either sing or start arguing a point with no one about something only he understood.
“No.”
“Daniel, she’ll come around,” Jack said knowing it sounded completely stupid but since Daniel had appeared at his door two hours before devastated that Sha’re had dumped him Jack had no idea what else to say.
Daniel let out a snort, “Yeah because there’s no chance I’m not going to get trapped somewhere for months on end again or even killed some day.”
Daniel took another swig from the bottle, “It‘s for the best, Jack. Sha’re doesn’t need the crap that comes with me and the Ring of Death I opened.”
“Daniel…”
“At least I’ll still see her,” he sighed sadly, “And Nicky. Even if I can’t be with her it’s the most I can hope for.”
x
Debbie wrapped her arm around her friend once she’d sent the boys outside to play. She’d come over as soon as her friend had called, “What did you do?” looking into Sha’re’s dark eyes Debbie sighed, “Sha’re, why?”
“I can’t be my mother,” Sha’re whispered sadly, “I can’t sit here waiting for him to come back.”
“He did come back,” Debbie reminded her.
“What about the next time?” Sha’re snapped quickly swiping at her eyes to stop her tears.
Debbie gently rubbed her friend’s back, “Next time? Daniel doesn’t exactly have the most high risk job working as a translator in Colorado.”
Sha’re wanted to scream, to tell her friend exactly what Daniel did but she knew she couldn’t, “He works with the military and goes out of the country all the time to places he could be killed.”
“So, that’s it?” Debbie asked, she nodded to where Sha’re’s son played with her own, “You’re going to cut him out of your life and Nicky’s.”
“Of course not,” Sha’re snapped shocked her friend would suggest this; “I won’t deprive Nicky of his uncle. It just means when Daniel comes he stays in a hotel again.”
Debbie sighed, “He will notice that things are different.”
Looking away Sha’re said nothing else, just watching her son as he played making Debbie lean back in the couch with a grimace.
Part Three
Part One
Nicky sat at his table colouring in while his mommy worked next to him. He liked when he got to sit with her and pretend he was doing important things like she was. He was going to be five years old tomorrow, a big boy and he was looking forward to his birthday party. Nicky just wished that his Uncle Daniel would be able to come but Mommy kept telling him that Uncle Daniel was very busy with work and might not be able to come for the party.
When the phone rang Nicky looked up but his mommy waved him back to his drawing as she took the phone into the other room.
x
“Does he know I’m coming?” Daniel asked after he’d shared the fond hello with Sha’re.
Sha’re chuckled softly, “Of course not. I want you to be a surprise.”
She heard his laugh before sensing the hesitation from the other side of the call, “Daniel?”
“I have another surprise for Nicky,” he confessed, “Jack‘s coming with me. He’s going to hire a plane and take Nicky up for a couple of hours as a birthday present. If you don’t mind.”
“And if I do?” she teased.
Daniel let out a long sigh, “If I was there I’m sure I could persuade you. So that’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
“You are so sure you can change my mind,” Sha’re lowered her voice, “Aren’t you?”
“I think we have established precedent on that one,” Daniel teased with a chuckle, “Or have you forgotten?”
“Hmm, my Daniel,” Sha’re breathed feeling a tingle as she thought back, “You need to remember to behave or you will be sleeping in the guest room again.”
“Where will you put Jack?”
Sha’re laughed, “He can have the guest room and you can sleep on the couch. And it’s not a comfortable couch to sleep on. Trust me.”
“Then I better make sure you’ve forgiven me before bedtime,” Daniel replied, she could hear the enjoyment of their teasing in his voice.
“I have to go,” Sha’re told him, “I have to make Nicky his dinner.”
“I love you,” Daniel said softly, “And I’ll see you tomorrow.”
x
Sha’re laughed as Nicky raced around the back yard with his friends. He’d been as high as a kite all day from the moment he’d opened his eyes at 5 am and Sha’re had tried to be as indulgent as possible. Thankfully Debbie and Mike had brought the boys over early to help her set up for his party so Sha’re didn’t have to spend all her time watching over him. Checking the clock she hoped Daniel’s flight wouldn’t be delayed today as she was going to wait until he’d arrived before bringing out the birthday cake.
“I thought Daniel would be here,” Debbie said as she arrived back inside after setting out some food.
Sha’re smiled, “Really?”
“Spill,” Debbie demanded.
Sha’re smiled even more, “His plane lands in just under an hour. He’s my big surprise for Nicky.”
Debbie chuckled, “And I bet that means you get a nice present too.”
Sha’re rolled her eyes at her friend, “You have a one track mind.”
“Hey, I’m not the one whose boyfriend lives in another state,” Debbie reminded her before picking up the bowls of chips sitting there and heading back outside.
x
Sha’re nervously checked her watch wondering where Daniel was. His flight had landed on time, she’d checked and he should have been there by now. Nicky was enjoying his birthday but he’d asked several times in the past ten minutes when they would have cake.
“He’ll be here,” Debbie murmured as she passed Sha’re with some more drinks.
Before Sha’re could reply the bell rang and relief filled her.
“Sorry,” Daniel murmured as he kissed her hello, “We were caught in traffic.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Sha’re grinned before looking behind him at the man standing there, “Hello, Jack. It is so good to see you again.”
“And you,” he greeted her with a smile, “So, is there cake?”
“Jack,” Daniel rolled his eyes but didn’t get a chance to say anything else as Sha’re motioned them in.
“Put your bags down,” she told them, “I have to light the candles then when the cake comes out you follow. Okay?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” the two men grinned in unison making her roll her eyes.
x
Nicky beamed as everyone began to sing to him, his eyes widened as he saw the large cake his mommy was carrying in with five candles on it. As she moved to place the cake down Nicky saw the two men following her.
“Uncle Daniel,” Nicky cried leaping out of his chair and throwing himself at the man he didn’t think would be there.
“Hi, kiddo,” Daniel hugged Nicky tightly, “Happy Birthday. I brought someone else with me.”
Nicky looked at him confused before glancing over Daniel’s shoulder and squirmed out of Daniel’s arms to get to the other man, “Jack.”
“Make a wish and blow out your candles,” Sha’re said smiling as Daniel slipped his arm around her waist.
Nicky closed his eyes and made his birthday wish before blowing out his candles, as everyone cheered he grinned and hugged his uncle happy to see him.
x
Sha’re gasped as Daniel pushed her against the wall of her bedroom and pressed his lips to hers in a deep kiss, his body moulded to hers as their fingers entwined.
“There are people downstairs,” Sha’re murmured, “We should go back down.”
“Minute,” Daniel breathed back, “I just want to say hello properly.”
Sha’re sighed softly and relaxed into her boyfriend’s kisses. She was so happy he’d managed to arrange things so he could visit for Nicky’s birthday. When they parted Daniel smiled at her.
“So am I still sleeping on the couch?” Daniel murmured softly in her ear.
Sha’re chuckled, “I think you have persuaded me but be on your best behaviour for the rest of the day.”
Daniel wrapped his arm around her waist and they started back downstairs to rejoin the party where Jack was currently telling the kids a story which had them all listening enraptured.
“And what have you two been doing?” Debbie murmured as she walked passed them to go get a fresh drink.
*********************************************
Jack sat watching Daniel as he read to Nicky smiling at how comfortable his friend was with the little boy when only last year if there was a child Daniel would step back for either Jack or Teal’c to deal with them. A mug of coffee appeared before him and Jack looked up to nod a thanks to Sha’re receiving a soft smile back as she took a seat on the couch.
“Thank you,” Sha’re said softly, “It is very nice of you to come here just to take Nicky on a flight for his birthday.”
Jack shrugged, “He’s a good kid and I don’t get to show off that often. If you want you can come but I think Daniel wants you to himself for a few hours.”
The young woman laughed, “I do not want to disappoint him.”
They sat in silence for a few moments before Sha’re spoke up again, “I am so relieved you’re safe. When Daniel told me he what had happened, he was devastated.”
Jack shrugged, “I knew they’d find a way to get me home. I know my team pretty well. And I knew Daniel would be okay because he has you.”
Sha’re blushed slightly as she smiled, “I know he loves me, I’m just not ready to tell him yet.”
Jack squeezed her hand, “He knows.”
x
Sha’re lay exhausted next to her lover laughing as he slid close to her again, “Daniel, you need to let me catch my breath.”
“Yeah, but we don’t have long left,” he reminded her as he slid his lips along her neck, “Jack will be calling soon to let us know they’re on their way back.”
“Good point,” Sha’re laughed sliding her arms around him finding his lips on hers.
They lost themselves in each other again and Sha’re held onto him whispering his name as he murmured hers. Sha’re knew how she felt for the man she was currently wrapped around but something was just stopping her telling him.
“You know,” Daniel sighed as he lay beside her again, “I really should thank Jack for making me go running and build my stamina.”
Sha’re laughed again, she loved this feeling - relaxed and exhilarated, safe and comfortable.
“Sorry I have to leave tomorrow so early,” Daniel murmured.
Sha’re cuddled close to him, “You have to protect the world. I can’t really argue against that, can I?”
“I want to spend more time with you,” Daniel told her, “Both of you.”
Sha’re kissed him, “I know but unless one of us moves…”
Her next thought was cut off as the phone rang and Daniel reached over to answer it. Sha’re instantly knew it was Jack warning them he and Nicky were on their way home so slid out of bed so she could have a quick shower.
“Where are you going?” Daniel reached out and snagged her wrist pulling her back onto the bed.
“Do you really want Nicky asking why we’re not dressed and look like we’ve been running about in the sun?” she asked making Daniel groan before adding, “You could join me in the shower.”
Daniel quickly let her go and bounced up, “Sure.”
x
The next morning as Jack and Daniel were preparing to leave Daniel hugged his nephew tightly. Nicky had loved spending time with Jack and the flight Jack had taken him on had been regaled to them over and over in the few hours before he’d fallen asleep. As Jack caught Nicky for a hug Daniel turned to Sha’re wrapping his arms around her.
“Love you,” he murmured softly, “And I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Sha’re sighed holding onto him, “Call me every night you can.”
Daniel grinned at her before kissing her quickly, “I promise.”
As he joined Jack in the cab Daniel sighed, it was getting harder and harder to leave.
*********************************************
Sha’re frowned as she heard the doorbell, she had been happily curled up reading a book waiting for Daniel to call. As much as she disliked the distance between them their phone-calls were always enjoyable, Daniel knew how to make her blush even from so far away and Sha’re was always glad that these calls happened when Nicky was fast asleep.
With an annoyed sigh Sha’re placed her book to one side, a slight hope filling her that Daniel had somehow been able to make a surprise visit was quickly quashed as she opened the door to find Jack O’Neill and Janet Frasier standing there.
“What’s going on?” Sha’re demanded knowing instantly that something was wrong.
“Can we come in?” Jack asked his voice was soft making Sha’re more fearful than before.
Sha’re stepped back and let them inside, she slowly closed the door before turning to her visitors who were both looking tense.
“What’s happened to Daniel?” Sha’re nervously started to play with the pendant that sat at her neck, the one Daniel had given her for Christmas.
“He’s missing,” Jack told her, “On their recent mission the team found themselves in the middle of a civil war. The building they were in was hit by an explosive and although Carter and Teal’c made it back…”
Sha’re slowly sank onto the couch behind her as Jack trailed off, “How do you know he’s not dead?” Sha’re couldn’t stop herself from asking.
Jack sat beside her and rested his hand on her shoulder, “Because I know Daniel and until I have proof then I won’t give up on him. You just have to believe in him?”
Sha’re shook her head feeling numb not sure what to do or say right now, she felt light-headed and lost suddenly wishing she’d managed to tell Daniel how she felt about him, wishing she hadn’t been so afraid of letting down her defences.
x
Jack grimaced as he saw Sha’re’s eyes glaze, he glanced at Janet who moved to the young woman and checked her.
“Sha’re,” Janet said softly, “Sha’re, is there someone you want us to call to come and stay with you?”
The young woman looked up slowly looking a little confused at Janet’s presence before whispering, “Debbie.”
“What’s her number?” Jack asked as he picked up the phone.
Sha’re reached out and pressed the quick-dial button for her friend before she turned to Janet, “I need to check on Nicky.”
Janet nodded and gently rubbed Sha’re’s arm, “Okay, I’ll come with you while the General calls your friend.”
Sha’re nodded absently before mechanically leading Janet out of the room while Jack waited for the phone to be answered.
“Hello?” came the answer finally.
Jack took a deep breath and quickly explained everything to the woman on the other end of the phone.
“I’ll be right there,” the woman replied before the ring tone sounded in Jack’s ear.
Janet appeared a few moments later looking as tired as Jack felt. She sat down on the couch and rubbed at her temple as she let out a soft sigh.
“She’s sitting with Nicky,” Janet said sadly, “Just holding him as he sleeps. Jack, I’m worried about her. She’s in shock; I just hope the friend she asked for can help her come out of this.”
“Me too.”
x
It was less than twenty minutes later when the doorbell rang before the door opened revealing a woman as she put a key back in her pocket.
“Debbie,” Jack greeted her, “Nice to see you again, wish it were for a better reason.”
“Where’s Sha’re?” Debbie got straight to the point not wanting to be drawn into any kind of conversation until she knew her friend was alright.
“She’s with Nicky,” Janet spoke up before answering the unasked question, “Dr Janet Fraiser.”
Debbie gave a quick nod but before she could make a move to find her friend Sha’re appeared at the door, without a word Debbie moved and wrapped the younger woman in a tight embrace.
“Okay, honey,” Debbie soothed, “We’ll pack you and Nicky some things then you’ll come stay with us for a few days.”
As Sha’re nodded and wandered away Debbie frowned, “She’s never this compliant.”
“She’s in shock,” Janet said, “Just keep an eye on her for a few days.”
Jack handed Debbie a card, “This is my direct number if they need anything. We’ll call as soon as we have any news on Daniel.”
Debbie nodded, “Thank you.”
As Jack and Janet left the house Debbie headed to help her friend.
*********************************************
Sha’re lay on the bed in Debbie and Mike’s spare room staring out the window at the clouds in the sky. Sadness and fear had pulled her down making it hard to contemplate leaving this room for the moment. Nicky would appear every so often and climb up beside her letting her cuddle him for a while before he went back to play. He didn’t understand what was going on, they hadn’t explained that Daniel was missing just that he might not visit for a while.
“Okay, that’s it,” Debbie announced her presence, “You are leaving this room today. We’re having dinner and you’re joining us.”
“Debbie…”
“He’s just missing,” Debbie cut her off, “We don’t know anything other than that.”
Sha’re shook her head, “I told my mother that for a full year when my father disappeared. He never came back.”
“Listen to me,” Debbie said, “I know you’re upset but you have a son who needs you.”
“I know,” Sha’re whispered before sighing and sat up pulling her knees up to her chin, “I think I’m pregnant.”
“What?”
“I’m not sure,” she continued pushing her hand through her hair, “I was tidying up after Daniel’s last visit and I noticed one of the condoms had split.”
“Oh, honey,” Debbie whispered wrapping her arms around her friend, “Have you taken a test?”
Sha’re shook her head, “I’m too scared of the result. Debbie, I raised Nicky alone but that was a totally different situation. I know I’ve been acting like a spoiled child but…I’m so afraid. Daniel told me he loved me but I never told him.”
“That’s understandable,” Debbie soothed, “You’ve been hurt and you were trying to protect yourself.”
Sha’re closed her eyes as she rested her head against her best friend’s shoulder.
“Here’s the plan,” Debbie told her, “We’re going to go downstairs and have dinner then I will go pick up a test. We need to know so that we can start making some decisions on what to do.”
“We?”
Debbie gently brushed a stray curl behind Sha’re’s ear, “You’re not alone. Ever.”
x
Sha’re and Debbie sat on the bed waiting for the two minutes to be up so they could get the result of the test. Actually the two tests Debbie had gotten to make sure they got the right result.
“I don’t know what I want this to say,” Sha’re confessed as she nervously played with the quilt cover, “I’ve dreamt of having a family with Daniel but if he’s never coming back I don’t know if I can.”
“If you’re pregnant then we’ll work it out,” Debbie said, “Mike and I will be with you every step of the way. If Daniel never comes back we will deal. Times up, are you ready?”
Sha’re took a deep breath and nodded. Together they took a test each and looked at the result before swapping them.
Sha’re took a deep breath and felt her tears start to fall as Debbie hugged her.
*********************************************
Daniel stood on the doorstep of his girlfriend’s house relieved to finally be here after spending so long trapped in a world he thought he’d never escape. Jack had called Sha’re letting her know Daniel was safe while he was being tortured by Janet in the name of a post-mission medical. He’d spent every night dreaming of being back with the two most important people in his life and finally here he was. Typically he only had a few days with them before he had to get back to the SGC so he wanted to make the most of it.
He touched the doorbell and let it ring, waiting for a few seconds before he slid his key into the lock and opened the door.
“Sha’re? Nicky?” he called, Jack had told her he was coming so Daniel was confused at how quiet the house was.
As he walked further in Daniel dropped his bag on the couch before heading upstairs, he sighed in relief as he heard Sha’re’s soft voice coming from Nicky’s room. Daniel gently touched the door and opened it, smiling as he saw Sha’re sitting beside Nicky’s bed.
“Uncle Daniel,” Nicky cried happily before starting to cough.
Daniel moved to the little boy’s side, “What’s wrong, kiddo?”
Nicky pouted, “Not well.”
“He is to stay in bed for the next few days,” Sha’re spoke up, her eyes flicking over him as though she didn’t believe he was there, “Now, say goodnight and let him sleep.”
Daniel frowned, a little confused by the coldness of her tone but he ignored it for now as he crouched down next to Nicky’s bed. He hugged the boy tightly not caring that Nicky started to cough and splutter over him.
“I missed you, Uncle Daniel,” Nicky sighed as Daniel helped him lie down, “Why did you have to stay away for so long?”
Daniel stroked the little boy’s hair, feeling the heat of the fever on his skin, “I didn’t mean to be away so long but I had to. I’m back now and tomorrow I’ll make it up to you.”
“‘Kay,” the sleepy murmur came back as the boy slipped into a happy slumber.
Daniel kissed his forehead before covering him and looking up at Sha’re surprised that she didn’t smile back at him but walked out of the room.
x
Sha’re paced the lounge as she waited for Daniel to join her. When Jack had called the relief she’d felt was almost overwhelming but as the time passed between Jack’s call and Daniel arriving all she could think about was how she’d felt these past few months. How scared and alone, how every time the phone or the doorbell rang her heart leaped in a mixture of hope and dread.
“Sha’re?” Daniel’s questioning voice made her turn to where he stood, “I’ve missed you. Both of you,” he moved to her, “I dreamed of you every night.”
Sha’re stepped back as he reached for her seeing the confusion and hurt fill his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Daniel asked softly.
“Three months,” Sha’re whispered, “Three months, Daniel. I had no idea where you were or if you were even alive. You can’t expect me to just act as though that never happened?”
Daniel frowned, “I’m not but I thought you’d be happy to see me.”
“I am,” she said softly, “But I can’t be with you anymore. I can’t live like my mother did. You can use the spare room tonight but I’d prefer if from now on you stay at a hotel.”
Daniel dropped his head and rubbed his eyes, “Sha’re, I love you but what I do is important. You know that. I can’t leave the SGC because I know what’s out there and I want to protect you and Nicky.”
Sha’re felt tears fill her eyes and she turned from him, “Goodnight, Daniel.”
Leaving him in the lounge Sha’re ran upstairs to her room closing it fast so she could let her tears fall. She’d spent years being strong for her son and the last few months holding herself together, now Daniel was safe and in the same house it meant she could let go.
But she couldn’t put herself through anything like that again, she wouldn’t.
*********************************************
Jack watched his friend open another beer and frowned. Daniel wasn’t a big drinker normally, not because he couldn’t handle it as some people seemed to think, Daniel just didn’t like not being in complete control. Unfortunately right now control was the last thing Daniel had and he’d decided he may as well just go the whole hog.
“Daniel,” Jack said softly, “Don’t you think you’ve had enough?”
The glare he received back didn’t really worry Jack, Daniel wasn’t a mean drunk he just had a tendency to either sing or start arguing a point with no one about something only he understood.
“No.”
“Daniel, she’ll come around,” Jack said knowing it sounded completely stupid but since Daniel had appeared at his door two hours before devastated that Sha’re had dumped him Jack had no idea what else to say.
Daniel let out a snort, “Yeah because there’s no chance I’m not going to get trapped somewhere for months on end again or even killed some day.”
Daniel took another swig from the bottle, “It‘s for the best, Jack. Sha’re doesn’t need the crap that comes with me and the Ring of Death I opened.”
“Daniel…”
“At least I’ll still see her,” he sighed sadly, “And Nicky. Even if I can’t be with her it’s the most I can hope for.”
x
Debbie wrapped her arm around her friend once she’d sent the boys outside to play. She’d come over as soon as her friend had called, “What did you do?” looking into Sha’re’s dark eyes Debbie sighed, “Sha’re, why?”
“I can’t be my mother,” Sha’re whispered sadly, “I can’t sit here waiting for him to come back.”
“He did come back,” Debbie reminded her.
“What about the next time?” Sha’re snapped quickly swiping at her eyes to stop her tears.
Debbie gently rubbed her friend’s back, “Next time? Daniel doesn’t exactly have the most high risk job working as a translator in Colorado.”
Sha’re wanted to scream, to tell her friend exactly what Daniel did but she knew she couldn’t, “He works with the military and goes out of the country all the time to places he could be killed.”
“So, that’s it?” Debbie asked, she nodded to where Sha’re’s son played with her own, “You’re going to cut him out of your life and Nicky’s.”
“Of course not,” Sha’re snapped shocked her friend would suggest this; “I won’t deprive Nicky of his uncle. It just means when Daniel comes he stays in a hotel again.”
Debbie sighed, “He will notice that things are different.”
Looking away Sha’re said nothing else, just watching her son as he played making Debbie lean back in the couch with a grimace.
Part Three