| Part 2 | Disclaimers | 
Spoilers in this part: Divide and Conquer - S 4

The corridor leading to the infirmary was heavily guarded.  Daniel walked passed the armed guards and entered the room.  Jack was perched on the bed next to the bed Sam was asleep in.  Daniel stepped up to the side of his friend and saw how Jack startled by his presence. 

”How is she?” Daniel asked.

“Peachy,” Jack commented then rubbed his tired face, missing the roll of the blue eyes and the way Daniel stepped away from him and over to the bed instead.

Gingerly the anthropologist tucked some blonde hair behind Sam’s ear to get it off her face.  “Hey Sam, how’s it going?” he asked in a gentle, soft voice.  She turned and looked up at him, and the instant she did Daniel heard Jack’s feet hit the hard floor and felt him move in beside him.

“Carter,” he said, leaning over Daniel to peer closer at her. “How’re doing?”

A faint smile creased her eyes and curled her lips as she looked up at Jack. “Fine, Sir,’ she said in a rough voice, dried by sleep.  Both Daniel and Jack reached for her drink cup, the anthropologist, because he was closer, reaching it first.  Daniel held it to her mouth and she took a sip then laid back down again.

When Daniel turned to put the drink on the metal cabinet Jack stole the floor right beside the bed, effectively elbowing him out of the way.  The young man held his hands up in a placating gesture as he stepped away from the bed, giving Jack room. 

He moved right down to Sam’s feet, laid his hands over one foot and told her. “I’ll be back in the morning.”  She gave him a faint smile and he winked at her before he left the room.  Neither he nor Jack bothered to say good-bye to each other.

Along the corridor Daniel rubbed the back of his neck as he thought about the events that had unfolded on that very long day. 

“Daniel.”

The anthropologist stopped and turned towards Paul Davis as he pulled up beside him.

“I was just heading out for some dinner.  Would you care to join me?”

Daniel screwed up his face a little. “It’s been a long day.”

“How is Major Carter?”

Daniel swept a look back at the door, then onto his friend.  “She’ll bounce back, she always does.” He pressed the button to call the elevator.  “Jack’s with her now.”

Paul bowed his head and studied his shoes as they waited together for the elevator. 

“How long are you here?” Daniel asked, making polite conversation after a few moments of silence.

“I have to go back tomorrow.  Ideally I should go tonight, get the affairs in order, inform the Pentagon of what’s happened, but..” Paul shrugged. 

Daniel gave a slight smile. “It’s been a long day..”

”And I’m hungry,” The Major added with a wistful smile.

Inside the elevator Daniel watched the red numbers roll towards his floor.  Suddenly as he pressed the button for the floor his office was on he blurted out, “Could you give me a few moments?”

“Huh? Oh!” Paul realized he’d changed his mind about joining him for dinner. “Sure. Do you have to get something from the office?”

“I’d like to change.”

The green eyes scanned Daniel’s body slowly.  “Look fine to me,” he said, with a polite smile then held his hand out towards the opening doors, “but if you’d rather.”

Daniel looked down at the suit he was still wearing. “I still have to grab my keys,” he said. 

“But of course,” Paul agreed.  He was very glad that Daniel had changed his mind and decided to join him for dinner.

O’Malleys was the best steak house in Colorado Springs, and the place that Daniel and Jack went to… scratch that, they used to go to, after missions.  Paul, though, wasn’t the type that would fit the beer and steak place, and Daniel wasn’t surprised when the officer suggested one of the ritzier restaurants in the Springs.  They drove in separate cars, Paul utilizing a Hire Car, and they parked in available spots in the parking lot of the restaurant before meeting inside the front doors.

Over dinner they started out talking about benign topics, projects that they’d worked together on, which served to remind both of them that they’d actually shared a fair bit of time together. Paul confessed that he found Daniel to be the most easy-going of the group, something Daniel, in all honesty, already knew.  Paul also let slip a quiet remark that if he had to spend time with any of SG-1, he preferred it to be with the Archaeologist.  Daniel had taken the compliment in good grace, barely recognizing it even. He did return the compliment though, unforced, when he said that he enjoyed sharing time with the Major but wished it didn’t always have to be about saving the world.  Both men laughed gently at the comment, but both knew it to be true, as well.

The main meal was over and they were settling back in their chairs awaiting dessert to arrive, despite their stomachs already being comfortably filled with good food and great wine, when their conversation loosened up enough to broach the events of the past twenty-four hours, of Martouf’s death and, eventually, of the results of the Za’tarc machine. 

“So neither of them were traitors?” Paul asked, scooping the last of his dessert into his mouth.

With a shake of his head, Daniel said, “Apparently not. Some anomaly, or so they say.”

Paul frowned as he laughed derisively, “You didn’t believe that story that was being circulated, did you?” He pushed his bowl aside.

“What do you mean?”

The Major shook his head, dismissing the gossip, as he was unsure if Daniel knew full well what had gone on in that room, like he had heard, or if the Doctor was being deliberately obtuse to protect his two friends from gossips. Either way, he wasn’t comfortable in pursuing it further. He decided to resume an old topic that Daniel had abruptly, and none too swiftly, ended earlier. “So, do you think you’ll stay with the SGC for a few more years?”

The anthropologist shrugged as he wiped his hands on the linen napkin then placed it beside his plate.  “Ask me again next week,” he joked tiredly.

Paul nodded, now thinking that Daniel did know about the confessions. He decided to return to that topic instead.  “I guess it *is* going to be hard to cope with..”

Daniel shrugged and said, “The next few days will be hard, especially on Sam.  She and Martouf shared a history, sort of..” He frowned as he stared into the candle flame between them, his mouth set in a determined pout as he thought about Martouf, the man he’d worked side-by-side with for the past few weeks in order to get the right wording on the Declaration. 

Paul studied him carefully, like he had all evening when he thought he wouldn’t get caught.  “Well, I’m sure Colonel O’Neill will help her over the pain,” he said, as he lifted his hand to catch the waiter’s attention.  Daniel’s frown, and pout, increased.

“I’m sorry?”

Paul stared at him, reading the expression correctly.  “You didn’t hear about the Za’tarc machine, did you?”

The puzzled man shook his head.  Paul ordered a coffee for himself then looked over at Daniel, inviting him to order.  The anthropologist ordered coffee as well and when the waiter disappeared to fill the order Daniel folded his arms and leaned on them as he met Paul’s gaze across the table.

Paul came forward too so that he could speak in hushed tones.  “From rumor, I have to admit, but I heard that Colonel O’Neill and Major Carter declared undying love for each other in that room.  The fact that they were hiding an affair was the secret that the machine had originally picked up in both of them.”

Daniel’s mouth dropped open. “Sam and Jack are..?”  He thought about the infirmary, the change of attitude, the bad hair Sam had been sporting since the disappearance and the fact that, all of a sudden, Jack could do no wrong in her eyes.  He growled and sat back. “Isn’t that against Military protocol?”

“Definitely!” Paul said with certainty then sat back as the waiter returned with the coffees. “And the check please,” he said to him. The waiter nodded and moved off once more.  Daniel went for his wallet but Paul held his hand up. “It’s on me.”

“No, I can’t..”

With a nonchalant shrug, Paul said, “Of course you can.  I’ve got an expense account.”

Daniel forced a smile and cupped his hand around his coffee. “In that case,” he said, sitting up straighter. “How long do you think it’s been going on?”

“Huh??”

With a hint of disdain, and Paul wasn’t sure if it was at the couple or the rumor, Daniel said, “Did the rumor clarify that point?” 

“No, sorry.” He started to regret being so reckless with the news.  Of course this would have bearing on Daniel, being a friend to both of them.  He was obviously hurting now because neither Carter nor O’Neill had ‘trusted’ him enough to let him in on their secret.  Paul studied his hands and wished he could take back the comment.

It was obvious Daniel wasn’t going to drop the subject though. “Probably a few months,” He muttered as he sat back and shifted the table decoration to the side slightly, in an attempt to look casual about the conversation.  “I’d say it was since the time they went missing – on Px4566 - until we could get the second gate active, do you remember that?”

Paul wasn’t sure if Daniel was really asking him, or just making a comment.  He looked up and met the hurt-filled blue eyes and his regret doubled.  With a tilt of his head while holding Daniel’s gaze intently he said, “I remember how tirelessly you worked to get that beta gate up and running so soon-”

Surprised flickered into the blue eyes for a moment then Daniel blinked it away as he shrugged. “Obviously not soon enough,” he muttered under his breath.

Paul twitched his head to the side. “What’s that mean?”

Daniel licked his lips then pursed them together as he put his cup down. “Nothing.”

As they walked out of the restaurant Paul pressed his hands deep into his pockets and lifted his shoulders against the wind that whipped at them. Daniel did likewise. 

“I had a really good time.” The younger man smiled as they bumped shoulders while they walked.

With his head slightly turned to the man beside him Paul’s eyes searched Daniel’s face, settled momentarily on his lips then flicked up to look into the curious blue eyes.  Despite the conversation turning slightly sour at the end he had to admit it was a good night for him as well.  Paul’s hire car was nearest the front doors so they both stopped at the end of it.

“When will you be back this way again, do you know?” Daniel asked, scuffing his boots in the sleet on the ground.

“At the next Diplomatic Treaty…” Paul said, vapor pouring from his mouth in the chilled night air.  “Or emergency..”

Daniel nodded then tilted his head and said, “I never said thank you, by the way..”

“For?”

“A few months ago – the Russian sub incident.  Jack and Teal’c and the replicators..”

Paul smiled sadly at the memory of the entire wretched event. Of having to sit beside Daniel, watch his face screw up in utter misery at the thought of having to consent to kill Jack.   “It was nothing.  I’m glad I was able to help,” he told him gently, hoping to make Daniel understand. “I know it wasn’t a good time for you..”

Daniel slumped against the car behind him, resting his butt on its rounded edge. “Tell me,” he said quietly.  “Is it ever a good time to blow apart your best friend?”

Paul blinked and looked deeply into the sad, dark eyes.  “No.”  He told him honestly.

Daniel’s gaze shifted between Paul’s eyes as he spoke, “You really kept me together that day..”

The older man exhaled a deep breath softly; vapor filled the space between their faces.  “You needed it..” he confessed, unashamed for showing he cared about Daniel’s needs.

Daniel smiled tiredly and he searched all of Davis’ face, taking in the contours of his cheeks, the creases that would fold when the older man smiled, the shape of his mouth.  When he looked up into the green eyes they were watching him just as intently. 

They said nothing.  It didn’t feel like anything needed to be said.  They were sharing a moment that didn’t come along in either man’s life very often.  Then, before the moment became awkward, Paul stepped back, moving his body heat from Daniel’s thigh, and he pointed the car key at the driver’s door and said, “I should go.”

Daniel nodded mutely.  There had been no bells, no fireworks, but he was sure that Paul had felt the tug between them as overtly as he had.  Still, it wasn’t something even close to pursuing, and he didn’t feel the need to.  It just settled over him like a warm blanket in the cold night.  He was well and truly comfortable with Paul Davis and now he seemed to have connected with him in a way that showed quiet potential, if only Paul would be interested.

But the man was as straight as them came, it seemed.  He reached out and gave a pally pat on Daniel’s upper arm as he said, “Thanks, Daniel.  This has been.. well, it’s been one of the best nights in quite a while for me.”

The anthropologist smiled derisively.  “Even when I was weirded out when I heard about Sam and Jack..” He teased himself.

Green eyes scanned the handsome face.  “It’s okay.” Again, the smile was one of complete understanding, of friendship that went just a fraction beyond the boundaries but remained firmly staunched.  “They’re your friends. You’re bound to be angry that they’d hidden this.. even if you know why they did.”

Daniel met his companion’s eyes once more.  He felt a tremor of fear glide through his body as he pushed their boundary of friendship just that fraction harder.  “I’m not angry,” he confessed honestly and unabashedly. “I’m jealous..”

Paul searched the dark eyes in what little street light there was available.  His admiration for the younger man escalated despite the fact that the confession, of jealousy of Jack, quelled any hope the Major had that their ‘moments’ just then meant anything more to the anthropologist than deepening Male Bonding.  He patted Daniel’s shoulder and said, “That’s understandable..”

“If not embarrassing,” Daniel muttered.

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about,” Paul assured him. “If anything, the Colonel and the Major have a whole lot of questions to answer over the coming days.  Questions that might well cost the Colonel his job..”

Daniel’s mouth dropped open in surprise.  “It won’t come to that, surely?”

“Fraternizing with a subordinate can lead to Court Martial.  He could be in a lot of trouble for this.” 

Daniel lowered his head as he nodded.

“So the Major may well still need her good friend,” Paul ventured, offering the only ray of hope he could in the circumstance. “I know it’s not the same..”

Daniel lifted his head and the shadows across his face hid his frown.  “Sam?”

Paul saw part of the expression and shrugged. “I know it’s not the best scenario, but I guess I’m the kind of man used to that sort of thing happening to him.  Wanting someone who is just out of reach..”

“So you settle?”

Paul smiled sadly. “Yeah, I’m afraid I do.”

Daniel nodded and rocked on his feet. “I’m in touch with that reality, too.”

Paul looked over the bowed head.  “I guess you are..” he said, recalling the many reports that documented a tryst between Daniel and a female alien from a world they visited. Again they froze in companionable silence then Daniel shivered violently and Paul nodded, sensing it was time to go.  Their friendship was in a good place, a nice place to leave it until he returned and they could pursue it further.  There was no hurry.

Stepping away from the trunk of the car, Daniel said, “Well, ‘night, and I really have enjoyed this evening.”

Everything in Daniel’s tone told Paul that he was telling the truth and that made him feel very warm inside.  “I have too.  Why don’t I give you my email address and we can write .. sometimes.. catch up, and if you ever need an ear..” Paul wrote on the back of a business card he’d pulled from a back pocket.

Daniel took the offered card and held it up, waved it a little as he said, “I’ll write, I promise, and then you’ll have my address.” He folded it and slipped it into his back pocket.  “And the ear goes two ways.  If you ever just want to.. you know..”

Paul nodded. “Thanks,” he said through a wide, genuine smile.  “Goodnight, Daniel.”

Daniel moved along through the dark parking lot, cursing the light snow that began to drift down onto him. It was almost mid-Spring, but someone seemed to have forgotten to let Mother Nature know that.  He reached his vehicle, got in and started up the engine, waiting a short while for the heater to kick in, all the while he blew on his frozen hands.

As he reversed out of his spot he was aware that Paul’s car was still parked in the same lot it had been all night so he slowed his vehicle at the back of Paul’s car and saw his friend get out, jog the steps to his passenger’s door then lean down to talk to him through the partially opened window.  “Won’t start.”

Daniel leaned across the seat and asked, “Dead battery?”

“I’d say so. I think I left the lights on. I was about to call the Base and have them send a car to get me.”  He waved his cell phone in the air.

Daniel shook his head. “I’ll take you.”

“No, really,” Paul protested but even in the darkness he could see Daniel was determined.

“You paid for dinner, it’s the least I can do,” the anthropologist said as he put his car into gear. “Get in.”

As Daniel’s car eased out onto the road, the expensive suspension gently riding the bumps of the drains and cats-eyes on the road, he asked, “Are you in a hurry to go back to the mountain?”  Before Paul could answer Daniel added, “Because I was thinking of going to this coffee shop that I know of.”

“Coffee, sounds .. great.” Paul smiled.   It wasn’t something he really needed but if it meant having a little longer with Daniel Jackson he was all for it.  Daniel smiled as if he’d really wanted that answer from Paul. 

Daniel slowed the car down in front of the coffee shop and leaned forward, peering at the obviously closed shop.  He was surprised, and disappointed, to find the store closed at that hour.

“There’s a sign on the door,” Paul said, leaning towards his window for a better view.

“There is?”

Daniel looked for it but he didn’t spot it before he heard Paul say, “Closed due to Family Bereavement… Oh..” He turned to look at the driver. “Did you know the owners at all?”

“No,” Daniel said, glad for that.  He’d had enough bereavement for a while. 

Paul watched his friend a moment then felt a shiver pulse through him as Daniel’s gaze shifted to meet his in the dim car.  He didn’t want this to end already; he had his heart set on spending more time with this man.  Feeling bold, Paul suggested. “We could go to a Bar?”

Daniel screwed up his nose and shook his head.  Bars weren’t really his scene.  Paul felt disappointed and started to resign himself to the fact that their night was coming to a close.  “We could go back to my place,” Daniel suggested then gave him a hesitant look when Paul’s head snapped up to look at him. 

“Your place?”

“I have coffee..”

That made the Major laugh. “I don’t doubt you do, Daniel.”

With a wistful smile Daniel shrugged and said, through a soft laugh, “Okay, so that little personal fact has made it to Washington, I see.”

Paul grinned and bowed his head. “You’d be surprised what facts about you have made it to Washington.”

“Really?”

The Major looked at him again, his eyes wide. “I said that out loud?”

Daniel laughed, thinking he was joking.  With one arm hugging the steering wheel and his body twisted slightly to face Paul, Daniel said, “Why don’t we go back to my place and you can tell me all the facts about me that have reached Washington.”

Paul laughed and allowed his head to roll back and rest against his seat.  “Oh, I think I’m in trouble now..”

Daniel laughed as well.  “I know a least a dozen ancient forms of torture to wheedle information out of people, be warned!” 

That just made Paul laugh all the more harder, and his heart fluttered like a school kid’s with a crush.  He could imagine that being tortured by Dr. Daniel Jackson might well be a pleasurable experience, under the right circumstance.

End of part two  

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