*Songs contained in this story are:

Standing at the edge of the Earth - Blessed Union of Souls
Everybody Hurts - REM
(If you don't know these songs may I suggest a listen :) Both are wonderful ballads )

*******************************

SUNDAY

Daniel stood watching the rain falling down his window, refracting the lights of the streets and passing traffic below. He brought the glass of red wine to his lips as he stared down at nothing, listening to the song on his CD player.

I knew that this moment would come in time
That I'd have to let go and watch you fly
I know you're coming back so why am I dying inside?*

The young man shut his eyes and remembered the look on Mac's face as he promised him he'd be back in one week..

Are you searching for words that you can't find?
Trying to hide your emotions but eyes don't lie
Guess there's no easy way to say good bye
So I'll be standing at the edge of the Earth
Hoping that someday you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping that someday..*

He sighed forlornly as he sipped some more of his wine. The microwave oven beeped, letting him know his dinner was now ready, but suddenly he'd lost his appetite. He checked his watch. Mac had been gone a little over 6 hours now.. yet it felt like forever..

Don't misunderstand what I'm trying to say
I don't want to let you leave this way
I want you to know that I stand right by your side
And I know this may be
The very last time that we see each other cry
But whatever happens know I'll....
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping that one day you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping that someday
You'll come back to me

Daniel moved away from the window and returned to his computer. He moved the mouse, deactivating his Egyptian screen saver and revealing the research he was trying to concentrate on.

I'll be praying for whatever it's worth
Believing that one day you'll come back to me
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping for someday
And I know this may be

The last image of Mac's smiling face filled his thoughts for a moment..

The very last time that we see each other cry
But whatever happens know that I'll....
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping that one day you'll come back again
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping that someday
You'll come back to me
I'll be praying for whatever it's worth
Believing that one day you'll come back to me
I'll be standing at the edge of the earth
Hoping for someday

He rubbed his tired face roughly, then stared at the figures on his screen. All the time his mind kept replaying Mac's smile.. over and over..

Waiting for someday Believing in someday
Praying for someday, I'll be...
Longing for someday, Clinging to someday
Cherishing someday, I'll be....
Thinking of someday, Dreaming of someday
Wishing for someday, I'll be....
Living for someday, Counting on someday
Knowing that one day....
I will see you

He got up and switched the CD player off, then sat back at his computer. Resting his chin onto his hand, he readjusted his glasses then tried to concentrate on his work as he pushed the images of Mac out of his mind...

.o0o.

MONDAY

Daniel stood staring in at his locker. How long he'd been there was anyone's guess because that was what he was doing when Jack walked past the open door of the room on his way to Hammond's office. He briefly glimpsed Daniel from the corner of his eye then backed up when he recognised his friend inside. His mouth opened to say something but he hesitated, instead he watched him a few long seconds, seeing how transfixed Daniel was on the contents of his locker. Biting his bottom lip lightly, the colonel stepped into the room and was surprised that he still wasn't noticed by the day dreaming man. Judging by the sad look in his eyes, Daniel wasn't having a happy day dream so Jack reached out and lightly touched his hand to his friend's shoulder.

"Hey, Daniel-"

Startling by the soft voice, Daniel suddenly came to life with a flourish of activity, trying to make himself look busy and *not* distracted.

"Oh, hi, Jack." It was said as casually as he could, given that his heart was beating hard from the scare.

"You okay?"

Despite the fact that they had been on a mission all day, 'hell mission' as it had affectionately been tagged by Sam now, Jack had seen very little of Daniel that day as they were separated for most of the time; Daniel went with Sam, and Teal'c and Jack teamed up. The only time they came together was when Jack had to save Daniel from being burned at the stake and then the four of them had to hot foot it back to the stargate while the natives attacked them with crude weapons the whole way back.

//Yeah,// Jack recalled thinking (sarcastically) to himself at the time, //this is a *good* day! //

Before the mission, Jack's mind was totally on the job, working through the strategy in his mind, checking statistics with Sam, working on contingency plans should the mission go wrong. He hadn't even given Daniel more than a sideways glance all day, but now the colonel noticed the tell tale signs of lack of sleep on his friend - the squinted, unshielded, slightly pink eyes from too much rubbing due to the 'sandpaper' feel they had that day.

He waited patiently for an answer, but Daniel just kept his face down, as he started to fumble with his fatigues.

One side of Jack's face screwed up with a slight cringe as he watched this. "Ahh, you're about to shower--"

The other man stopped his activity and looked at his friend, the bland look in his eyes bore through Jack and the voice barely hid the annoyance within it.

"Well, we have just been sloshing through mud world, Jack! I've got mud drying in places I didn't even know existed and I'm starting to chaff, so if you don't mind.." he tugged the zipper down and the sound seemed to echo around the empty locker room.

Jack rolled his eyes. He'd already showered but Daniel had been hurt on the mission and was being tended to in the Infirmary. "How is the hip?"

The younger man allowed his pants to slip down to just under the elastic of his jockeys then he tucked his top under his chin to provide a better view of the damage. He looked down at the large blue red bruise on his predominate right hip bone.

"I think it looks worse than it is.." he mumbled. Jack frowned and squatted before him to get a better look. His fingers were about to touch the skin but then he thought better of it and, wriggling his fingers, withdrew his hand as he looked up to meet his friend's blue eyes.

"Well, you took a pretty heavy fall off that totem you were tied to. Sorry! I should have warned you I was crawling up the back of it to cut you free."

Daniel smiled down at his crouched friend. "That's okay. I was glad to taste the dirt if it meant escaping that fire they wanted to build under me."

Jack shrugged then pointed to the hip. "What did the Doc say?"

Daniel tried to get a better look then tilted his head as Jack looked up at him.

"Oh, just the usual. Teased me for being the only one returning from the mission hurt - again," he mumbled and his face flushed a little with embarrassment. Jack looked up at the sad blue eyes once more.

"You okay?" The question was more sincere this time. Daniel met Jack's gaze then looked up as another officer entered the locker room, glancing quickly at the two men on the other side of the room. Jack immediately leapt to his feet, realising that the position - him crouching before Daniel who had his top tucked under his chin and his fatigues around his hips - probably wasn't that great a look! Especially for an officer.

Daniel continued to prepare for the shower now, and he bent over to pull his pants all the way off but Jack quickly halted his movements with his next question.

"Urrgg, Danny, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, glad to see Daniel pull his pants back on again then sit down on the bench behind him.

"Shoot," the younger man shrugged. Jack sat, legs straddled the bench, and faced Daniel side on while Daniel shifted around to face Jack more. They looked at each other for a few long seconds then Daniel raised his brow, a silent inquiry as to when Jack was going to tell him what he wanted to tell him.

Sucking back a deep breath, Jack held his hands out to Daniel then sighed, before asking, "how are you feeling?"

The anthropologist frowned. Such a lot of effort went into asking that simple question!

"I'm fine.." he gave a soft laugh that didn't sound happy, then he tried to lighten the moment with, "Like I said, no real damage from that fall-"

Jack nodded, then his lips moved but nothing came out. Daniel noticed the hesitation and looked down at his hands clasped in his lap.

"What's the matter?"

There was a long silence then finally Jack sighed. "I'm worried about you."

"Why? Am I acting strangely?"

"Well.. no.." Jack admitted hesitantly. Daniel shrugged then.

"Well, what's the matter then, Jack?"

The officer wet his lips quickly. "I just wondered how you were feeling.. you know.. in general.."

Daniel scratched his eyebrow with his thumbnail. He knew exactly what his friend was asking him. On the mission, before the capture, Daniel had noted the many times he'd look up to see Sam watching him closely and knew that she'd have told Jack about her concerns. He had wondered if the fact that his mind kept wandering back to the weekend with Mac was showing in his attention on the job.. or rather, *lack* of attention on the job. He was convinced it was why he was captured and Sam wasn't. He wondered if Jack wasn't about to give him a pep talk, so he tried to reassure him that he was okay.

"Jack, I'm fine. My reports are up to date and I'm keeping my mind on the job..."

//Okay, that bit was a lie.. //

The colonel rolled his eyes. "I'm not asking as your CO , Danny. I'm asking as a friend.."

Daniel dropped his chin to his chest then sighed heavily. He took a moment before nodding then looking up.

"Sorry." He gave Jack a small smile. The older man sighed as he furrowed his brow.

"I just want to know that you're alright," he said softly. Daniel swallowed then shrugged.

"I have my moments," he admitted with a sad smile, then sighed softly.

Jack whispered, "You know I'm here if you ever need to talk.."

Daniel nodded. "It wont be necessary but it's nice to know, thanks."

Jack reached out and patted Daniel's shoulder before standing up and heading out of the locker room. The younger man stood and went in to the showers with the words and concern of his CO on his mind.

.o0o.

WEDNESDAY

Hammond and the rest of SG-1 sat and watched as Daniel gave a presentation about his findings on the artifact SG-11 had brought back from a mission the previous week.

"What's this bit?" Hammond pointed to what looked to be a broken piece. Daniel shot Jack a quick look, seeing the colonel roll his eyes then screw his face up a little in a cringe. The anthropologist gave a small smile and looked at Hammond.

"It's broken," he shrugged. "It was a small arm-like extension."

"How was it broken?" Hammond frowned. Daniel shot Jack another look and the officer shrugged.

"I broke it," Daniel said quickly, "it wasn't important anyway." He then continued with his report. Jack was surprised by the cover up, and decided to listen a little more closely to his friend's presentation.

On completion of the briefing, Hammond commissioned the team to go to P3x098, the world that the artifact was discovered on. Daniel felt it held some significant meaning in the Asgard world, but he couldn't be sure.

Before they left the debriefing room, Jack called his friend over with a flick of his fingers.

"Daniel," Jack put his hand on Daniel's shoulder when the anthropologist came up to him.

"What is it?"

"I want to thank you, for not telling Hammond that I .. broke .. your statue.."

Daniel gave a light laugh then scratched his cheek before looking up. "Well, I kind of thought you had a lot on your mind this week Jack, and didn't need the General breathing down your neck about breaking *another* artifact."

Jack growled in frustration. "You're not wrong about that," he patted his friend then looked across at his lover, who was standing, hands clasped behind his back, next to Sam as she worked.

"It's been *three* days now, you realise this?" Jack hissed through clenched teeth. Daniel gave a gentle laugh and patted Jack's back. He knew exactly what his friend meant. Teal'c had placed a 'ban' on them, to heighten the anniversary night for the two of them. They were not allowed to be intimate until the anniversary night, and Teal'c wouldn't even allow Jack to shower at the same time, all of which was causing a burning frustration within the colonel right now.

Daniel tried to offer sympathy by way of an explanation. "He just wants your anniversary to be a little more special. Besides, it's an old Jaffa custom."

The colonel turned to him, the frustration etched across his furrowed face. "But one whole *week*! I'm practically walking walls here, Danny boy!"

The younger man nodded. "Actually Jack, I understand that feeling *perfectly*," he said before heading over to Sam, leaving Jack to ponder his friend's statement.

.o0o.

The mission to the world did not prove as fruitful as Daniel had hoped, however it did show that the artifact was of the Asgard's making which would indicate that they had at least been to that world. The group returned, weary and hungry, six hours later and Daniel decided to stay on base and not go home. Sam stayed also, so they headed to the mess hall together, then back to Daniel's quarters.

"So, how did things end up with you and Mac the other night?" she asked him as she peeled the cling wrapper off the soggy sandwich she'd gotten for her dinner. Daniel watched her and screwed his nose up, glad he'd settled for a roll instead.

"Errrr, things ended up.." he shrugged then gave a sweet smile, "nicely actually."

Sam lifted her brow. "Oh?" she grinned cheekily. "Do tell!"

Daniel laughed softly. "Not this time, Sam," he sighed and pushed the untouched roll aside as he picked up his coffee instead. She frowned. It wasn't like Daniel to not discuss this sort of thing with her.

He saw her expression then sat forward, resting his elbows onto the tabletop. "Sorry," he shrugged. She shook her head at the expression on his face.

"I don't think I've seen that look on your face before Daniel," she said, pointing her finger at him. He raised his eyebrows as he shrugged again, then she laughed.

"So? You seeing him again?" she tried to pries the information out of him but Daniel only gave her a quirky smile in response, saying nothing more on the subject.

.o0o.

THURSDAY

Jack was sitting in his office, working on the report from the mission to P3x098 when he saw Daniel walk by his office.

"Daniel!.. Yo! Danny!" He whistled loudly and then saw the young man appear in the doorway again.

"You called?" Daniel smiled. Jack waved him in then indicated for him to shut the door behind him. Daniel sat in the chair opposite him and clasped his hands into his lap.

"What do you think of that?" Jack tossed a sketch across the table to him. The younger man sat forward and adjusted his glasses while he looked at the design.

"Very nice.. looks slightly Goa'uld." He sat back and watched as Jack shrugged.

"It is-" he said quietly. Daniel nodded then pointed to the word hidden amongst the engraving.

"That means Love," he said with a teasing grin on his face.

"You can read that?" Jack asked, a little concern edging into his voice.

Daniel nodded. "I can, but I don't think anyone else will know what those symbols mean.."

Jack looked the design over. "You think Teal'c will like it?"

Daniel smiled at his friend then nodded. "I think he'll love it, Jack." He looked at the drawing again and frowned, turning it to face himself again. Jack cringed a little as Daniel studied the picture more closely.

"Err.. Jack.." he pointed to what appeared to be a small set of innocent symbols then he looked up at his friend with wide eyes. The colonel's face was flushed then he opened his mouth slightly as he gave a shrug.

"What do you think?" he asked finally.

Daniel blinked. "I think.. I think.. Are you ready for that?" he asked. Jack tilted his head to look at the sketch once more. Licking his lip slowly as he stared at the pattern, he took his time in looking up.

"I think I am-" he admitted quietly. Daniel blew out his breath then smiled at his pink faced friend.

"Then I say, I hope he accepts."

Jack turned the picture around to face himself once more.

He stared at it a few moments. "Cool.." he smiled to himself.

.o0o.

FRIDAY

Hammond watched as his premier team sloshed their way down the ramp and stopped before him as he stood there with a wry smile on his face.

"Anything to report Colonel?" he grinned.

"Snow, Sir," Jack sighed dryly, "lots and lots of cold *wet* snow.. Funny how the MALP didn't pick that up, wasn't it? " His voice reeked of sarcasm. However, he and Sam had both seen the MALP images before stepping through the gate. The ground looked flat, but definitely not white. The instruments gave a reading of fairly mild weather but they were caught on the planet during a freak wild snow storm. They were unprepared for the snow, so Jack ordered them home and they had to wade through hip height snow back to the Gate. The four team members were now chilled to the bone.

Hammond thumbed over his shoulder. "Hit the showers. We'll debrief at 1730."

.o0o.

It was Friday night, which was Jack and Teal'c's anniversary and while Teal'c showered Daniel kept Jack company in the locker room. Then when the Jaffa came out already fully dressed the two men headed into the shower stall together.

Daniel was glad that Jack was so quiet. The colonel obviously had other things on his mind and Daniel was glad he wasn't asking him any more questions about Mac, or about how he was feeling. The ban Teal'c had placed upon Jack probably helped keep the colonel from worrying endlessly about Daniel's affections for his brother.

After his quick shower Daniel headed out, dressed and was slowly ambling towards the lift when Sam caught up to him.

"Hey, Daniel, what are you doing for dinner?" She asked. The young man shrugged.

"I'm not sure," he said quietly.

"Wanna go and grab something together?" she offered.

"No." Daniel shook his head. "I might have someone coming over tonight, and if they don't, then I wouldn't be much company anyway."

"You don't seem very happy. You okay? I noticed you were a little distracted today."

Daniel shrugged and rubbed at his eye. "I'm fine. I've just got a lot on my mind, I guess. Sorry I wasn't much help on that mission.."

Sam shrugged. "That's okay, we all have our off days, and speaking of off days, what's going on between Jack and Teal'c? They seem particularly 'weird' today," she asked.

He gave her a small smile. "It's their one year anniversary today," he told her. Sam's eyes widened.

"Why didn't you remind me?" She thumped his arm lightly as they stepped into the lift.

"I didn't realise you didn't know." He shrugged as he rubbed his arm. Sam rolled her eyes.

"What must they think of me?" She muttered. Daniel frowned.

"I doubt they even care," he sighed. "Jack's only interested in getting home," he said then smiled as he saw her frown. "Oh, it's a Jaffa tradition to abstain from any form of intimacy for a Pel'kat, which roughly translates to one week in earth time, in the lead up to an anniversary."

"Oh? No wonder the colonel looked fit to bust today," she chuckled. Daniel lifted his eyes as he nodded.

"Yeah, it.. can get to you like that.." he said, then dropped his chin to his chest. She frowned at him.

"You sure you're okay?" she asked. He nodded.

"Yeah, I just want to get home," he said quietly. She nodded and they rode the rest of the way up in silence.

.o0o.

Daniel pulled the roller door down on his garage, looking around briefly for any signs of a bike, but there wasn't one. *One week*, could have meant one week from Sunday, he reminded himself as he sighed and went inside.

Opening his door he immediately knew the apartment was empty. Tossing his mail onto the small table inside the door, he headed into the living room. Biting his lip he looked around the darkened room, then decided that he needed his bed. He headed into the room, switched on the over head light and started to undress. He got down to his boxer shorts and t-shirt then fell into bed, pulling the quilt around him tightly. He soon drifted off to sleep, his face buried against the pillow, his body wrapped around the long roll for comfort.

.o0o.

Jack and Teal'c laid in each other's arms before the fire. Jack was kissing the dark throat, nibbling at it every so often as he caressed Teal'c's stomach through his thick sweater, while the Jaffa was running his hand up and down Jack's back, groaning deeply with enjoyment.

"I love you, you know that?" Jack asked, lifting back a little to gaze into his beloved's eyes. Teal'c smiled as he raised his hand to cup Jack's cheek lightly.

"I love you too, O'Neill.."

Jack smiled and reached forward, kissing Teal'c very lightly then he pushed back and pulled a box from his back pocket. Lifting a brow slightly, the Jaffa took the offered gift.

"Happy Anniversary, Lover.." Jack smiled. Teal'c opened the box and smiled when he saw the gold band inside.

"You have given me a Jaffa Love Band." He lifted it from its box. Reading the inscription he smiled. Then he frowned and moved to see the band better in the light of the fire, while Jack nibbled on his fingernail nervously. Teal'c looked past the band to Jack.

"I was mistaken," he said softly in amazement, "you have given me a Jaffa Marriage Band."

Jack nodded nervously, then realised he was biting his nail and dropped his hand from his mouth. Teal'c stared at him a moment before swooping in and engulfing him in his strong arms and laying him back gently onto the rug beneath them. His hand smoothed his lover's greying hair as he stared into his dark eyes.

"I know it's really only a token thing, and that we can't have the ceremony and all, but.." Jack shrugged. Teal'c's hand touched down Jack's cheek with such a feather-light touch that the colonel shivered from it.

"For me it is very real," Teal'c said quietly as he pulled his jumper off, revealing a t-shirt and slipped the band on. It gripped tightly around his arm, just above the elbow yet below the bulging muscle. "I am happy to accept."

Jack smiled. "Sweet," he nodded then pointed to it. "It's designed to expand a little.. for when.. your.. muscles... you know.. move.. and.. uh.." Jack gave a guttural groan as he ran his hand over the firm, bulging arm and Teal'c flexed his muscles, testing out how much it did expand. It fitted perfectly. Jack sighed as Teal'c covered his mouth in a tender kiss then, pulling back a little, Teal'c smiled down at him.

"I, too, have a gift for you," he said. Jack grinned in anticipation then frowned as Teal'c lifted his hand and placed it gently over his heart through his black t-shirt. Jack's crease between his brow increased until suddenly his eyes widened. He quickly grappled with the top and pulled it up, revealing a gold ring pierced through the Jaffa's left nipple.

"You did it!" He laughed in utter delight. Teal'c nodded as a smile creased his lips and eyes.

"That is why I set the week ban with you. I wished for it to be a surprise," he explained softly. Jack's fingers lightly ran over the gold ring then he looked up at his lover.

"Does it hurt still?"

"No. It has been 5 days."

"Who.. how?" Jack touched it again with his fingers gently. Afterall, it wasn't like Teal'c could just nip down to the local shop and have it done.

"Daniel Jackson assisted me."

"Danny?" Jack lifted his brow. The Jaffa nodded.

"He also has one, but had let it close over." Teal'c enjoyed the feeling of Jack twirling the gold ring through his sensitive nipple.

"Danny's got a nipple ring?"

"Not any longer. He had it done many years ago, and in return gave one to his lover at the time," Teal'c sighed softly.

"And it doesn't hurt anymore?" Jack asked. Teal'c shook his head.

"It feels very nice," he mumbled. Jack reached forward and flitted his tongue over the hardened nub now, and Teal'c moaned.

"Really sensitive now, huh?" Jack grinned. The Jaffa nodded silently then inhaled sharply as Jack tugged it ever so gently with his teeth.

"O'Neill, I do not advise you continue to do that-" he purred.

"Oh? And why not?" Jack teased as his tongue poked through the gold ring then flicked at the nipple.

"I am warning you, lover-" Teal'c groaned.

"Oooh, warn away, but *what* are you going to do..?" Jack tugged it with his fingers again. In a flash, Teal'c had gripped both of Jack's wrists and slammed them onto the floor above his head as he pushed the colonel flat on his back. Jack laughed as the Jaffa held the wrists to the floor with one hand and his other hand moved down the colonel's body and started roughly tugging at the clothes.

"Playing rough are we?" Jack laughed.

"You were suitably warned," Teal'c said, his hand pushing Jack's pants down, nails scratching his thighs and giving Jack a surge throughout his body.

"You know I love it when you get rough with me," Jack chortled. Teal'c tried to give him a stern look, but he crumbled as he locked eyes with his lover and the two men started laughing. Teal'c's deep, rich laughter always vibrated through Jack, filling the man with such a feeling of total completeness.

"Gods, I love the sound of your laughter," he sighed seriously as he touched his hand down the Jaffa's face. Teal'c placed a moist kiss on the palm of the hand.

"Only you can produce it, my love," he said in a low deep voice. Jack shivered then nodded.

"So I've noticed.."

The two men locked stares once more then their mouths came together in an engulfing, passion filled kiss as they continued to strip each other bare, to consummate the Jaffa Marriage Band.

.o0o.

When Daniel woke again it was morning. He heard the sound of a car blowing its horn outside his window, the yells and cries from people in the street below him, dogs barking, all the usual sounds of suburbia on a Saturday morning. He groaned and got up, heading into the bathroom. He washed his face then spat out a mouthful of water before heading into the living room. He looked around then decided to switch on the television to catch a music program. He made sure it was up pretty loud then he made himself a pot of coffee and stepped out onto his balcony, where he sat, face up to the warm morning sun, while he sipped his drink.

Daniel tried to think of something to do today. Perhaps he could visit Jack and Teal'c, see how Jack's gift had gone down with the Jaffa.

.o0o.

Teal'c knocked on General Hammond's office door and waited for the call in. He stepped inside as the general closed the screen on the laptop computer before him.

"Ah, Teal'c, what brings you into work on a Saturday?"

"I am glad you are here, General Hammond. I need to request to use the stargate."

The General's blue eyes squinted in question. "Why?"

Teal'c stood before him, hands behind his back, chest expanded under the black shirt he was wearing. The shiny gold band was clearly visible on the Jaffa's dark arm.

"I need to inform my wife about something of a personal nature."

The General shook his head. "I'm sorry, Teal'c, you know how much it costs to fire up the Gate. I can't allow you to use it like that."

The alien bowed his head deep in thought. "General Hammond, I need to speak to my wife. It is of utmost importance that I do this."

The bald head bobbed in a sharp nod. "I can see that, but I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do for you. I'd have my ass kicked if I fired up that thing for a personal errand."

Teal'c's eyes clouded. "Are there any missions issued today?"

Hammond's eyes narrowed. It wasn't something he would ordinarily tell the Jaffa, but he could see that Teal'c was trying to hatch a plan.

"I do have one mission, leaving in an hours time. They are heading out to P3x67099 as a matter of fact."

Teal'c's head tilted slightly as he met the gaze of the blue eyes across the room. "We have been there before?"

The general nodded. "Yes. Yes, you have, Teal'c."

The large man nodded slowly. "Would I be given permission to go through the gate with the team then, sir?"

A cloud of confusion covered Hammond's face. "And do what? Exactly?"

"I will then dial the world that Drey'ak is on, and I will go and see her that way. I will not be consuming any energy from this world in that case."

Hammond's eyes rolled slightly as he looked down at the grey laptop computer before him, then his hand tapped on the back of it a short moment before he looked up again.

"You sure you know the right address from there?"

"With your permission I would like to ask DanielJackson's help in this matter."

The general sighed heavily. "I'm not sure, Teal'c. That boy looked like he really needed the break this weekend."

Teal'c eyes closed slowly in a show of agreement.

"I understand," the deep voice said quietly. Hammond could see the determination in his alien friend however, and sighed.

"This is important to you, isn't it?"

Teal'c's jaw clenched as he gave a slight nod. The general sighed once more.

"Okay, provided you can get the address correct from P3x67099, I wont stop you from giving it a try. Just.." he said as Teal'c looked up to meet his eyes once more, "just make sure you come back. Colonel O'Neill wont be too happy if I lose you out there!"

The Jaffa raised his brow slightly.

"You're a valuable member of his team afterall," Hammond explained. The Larger man nodded his head.

"I see."

Hammond smiled congenially. "Good, well, off you go then, see if Dr Jackson's available to help you out, or go up to the next level," he was saying as Teal'c bowed then gripped the door and opened it. The alien looked back, awaiting the rest of the sentence while Hammond reopened the laptop computer before him, "Captain Carter's in her lab."

"Thank you, GeneralHammond." The dark eyes looked over at the man behind the desk. The general's eyes softened with his smile.

"Not a problem, Teal'c. Good luck," he said. The Jaffa nodded then left the room.

.o0o.

Jack jumped up out of his chair and headed to the front door. He'd been dozing off in the early afternoon, tired from over activity the night before and the rapid knocking startled him.

"Hey, Danny!" he smiled and waved his friend inside enthusiastically.

"Hi, not interrupting anything?" Daniel stepped into the house cautiously. Jack frowned then clipped him on the back of the arm.

"We do take *rests* every once and a while," he laughed as he showed Daniel into the living room. The younger man was relieved to see a ball game on, knowing that Jack wouldn't be doing *anything* else while his favourite team were playing.

"Want a beer?" Jack asked, not taking his eyes from the television screen. Daniel nodded then decided Jack needed a verbal prompt.

"Yes, please," he said. Jack nodded, still not looking anywhere else but at the screen. He screwed his face up as his team missed the goal then turned to go to the kitchen. Daniel wet his lips and sat down, hoping that Jack might have *some* news about Mac, and he wouldn't need to ask.

After the game, Jack turned his attention to his friend, not that Daniel hadn't enjoyed just being there, watching a game with his good friend, drinking beer and eating the occasional chip. It was a good stress reliever and for a while, he'd stopped the endless question of when Mac might appear from floating aimlessly around inside his tired head.

"So, what brings you out on a day like today? Brought your washing?" Jack asked.

Daniel had an agreement with Jack, that on wet days, he could take his washing there as the archaeologist didn't have a dryer in his complex, well, not one that worked with any reliability, at least!

"No," Daniel pushed his glasses back into place suddenly realising that it was probably a missed opportunity.

"So?"

Daniel toyed with the bottle cradled between his hands.

"Can't a friend come a visit?" He shrugged, speaking quietly. Jack tugged at his eyebrow now as he watched the dark blond man huddled over his drink.

"Yeah," Jack said slowly, drawing the man's attention to him, "but *you* don't normally come and visit, not without an invitation..or a load of washing."

Daniel wet his lips and looked around the room, avoiding Jack's eye contact. "Sorry, should I go?"

The colonel sighed and reached for his beer. "Not what I meant, Danny boy-"

Daniel looked at him finally. Jack saw a lost look, one he hadn't seen in a long time, not since he found his friend loitering in the corridors the night he brought him back from Abydos. It surprised him a little.

"You okay?" he asked in a soft, sincere voice. Daniel sighed, shrugged then gave a small, slightly embarrassed laugh.

"I don't know," he said, raising the bottle to his lips and sipping at the drink. Jack frowned as he watched his friend nervously scratch at the label on the glass with his thumb nails. Daniel tilted his head, his face back a little so he seemed to be looking down his nose at Jack.

"Did Teal'c like your gift?"

The sudden change of mood in his friend and the abrupt subject change cut through Jack's musings and he gave a big smile as he raised the bottle to his lips once more.

"Yes.."

Daniel smiled now, the tone of Jack's voice tweaking his attention. "And..?"

The colonel raised his brow as he sucked back on the beer. Daniel's smile grew.

"You're not kidding me? He actually accepted?" The young man asked with a tinge of excitement in his voice.

Jack nodded as he put the bottle down again. "Accepted.."

"Oh.. god.. Jack!.. I'm.. well-" he shrugged and laughed at the same time, "I'm happy for you.."

Jack laughed. "Thanks Daniel. Considering you're probably the only person who'll know about this, it means a lot!"

Daniel shook his head. "So, I mean, no ceremony - I guess .. but do you *feel* married?"

Jack shrugged then laughed. "I never felt married the first time, and I had a huge honking wedding that time. This time it was sedate, he accepted, we.. well.. we," He shrugged and Daniel nodded, so Jack continued, "then I woke this morning and he told me he had to go to the base to let Drey'ak know.."

"He wont be allowed to do that?"
\ \
Jack shrugged. "I told him that too, but he just gave me this *look*, you know, and I told him good luck! And he left!"

"Wow! So, what's that mean? I mean now..?"

"Now I .. oh god!" Jack laughed a little like he couldn't quite get his mind around the truth as he covered his face with his hands. Daniel frowned.

"What's the problem?"

Jack uncovered his face. "I'm a colonel in the US Air Force, my life's about going through a National *secret* to places that are 'out there'.. and now I'm married to a huge male alien..." He shrugged. Daniel took a moment, where he just stared at Jack then slowly both men started laughing loudly. Finally Jack reached for his beer again as he half sighed, half groaned, "could my life get any weirder?"

The younger man shrugged. "If you're asking me Jack, I'd have to say, I don't think so.."

"Yeah," Jack blew out a deep sigh, "me neither.." He shrugged then downed the dregs of the beer before putting the bottle on the table before him again. He returned his attention to his introspective friend.

"What about you? How's your life?"

Daniel lifted his brow as he shrugged, but he remained staring at the bottle in his hands, still trying to scratch the label from the surface with his thumb nails. Jack took a punt.

"No word from Mac, I take it?"

Daniel tried to give another shrug, hoping to indicate both a 'nope', and an 'I don't care really' response, but Jack knew him a little better than that. At the beginning of the week, Daniel was fine, but he'd noticed the subtle deterioration in his friend's attitude over the week. He'd wanted to ask if he could help, but could see that Daniel was trying hard not to let it interfere with his work, so Jack respected that. And even now, when Daniel chose to drain the bottle of beer instead of talking about his feelings, Jack respected that, and he didn't push him.

"Wanna stay for dinner?" He asked instead. Daniel put the bottle down on the table, realising that he'd caused an awkward moment. He shook his head.

"I've got some research to do on that artifact we found last week." He rose and hooked his hands into his back pockets as he looked down at Jack.

"The research can wait, Daniel. It's the weekend! Kick back and relax a little," Jack said, tilting his head back to look up at his friend. Daniel pursed his lips together then shrugged.

"I like research-"

Jack rolled his eyes as he stood up. "Whatever."

The scientist nodded. "Well, thanks for the drinks and lunch, and-" He stopped, realising that they'd actually had very little to talk about all day, but that they'd still managed to spend a comfortable day together, just passing the time. Jack seemed to sense it at the same time and smiled at his friend.

"Well, apart from losing a tenner on my team," he indicated to the television set, then looked back at Daniel, "I've had a great day." He flashed one of his quirky grins. Daniel laughed softly then nodded as he headed to the front door.

"I'll see you at work on Monday then," he said.

Jack patted his back then squeezed his shoulder as he stepped up the steps with him. With his other hand he reached out and opened the door. Daniel got his leather jacket off the coat rack and slipped it on.

"Maybe Mac will come back tomorrow," Jack said quietly, recognizing the jacket that Mac had bought Daniel. The comment earned him a strange noise, not quite a grunt nor was it quite a groan, but Daniel made some kind of audible response to the statement and was out the door before Jack could query him on it.

"Night Jack. Thanks." Daniel headed to his car in the twilight. Jack stayed on the front step until Daniel's car disappeared down the road, then Teal'c pulled up into the drive way. Jack smiled as he waited for his partner to come inside.

The large man climbed up the front porch steps then looked up into Jack's eyes. He gave a bright smile and Jack grinned back at him. He knew that the meeting with Drey'ak had gone well. The two men went inside, barely getting the door closed before drawing the other into a deep, passionate kiss.

.o0o.

The familiar beep on the microwave went off again, but Daniel remained staring at the computer screen. His brow was slightly furrowed as he tried to ascertain the exact orientation of the markings before him. He lifted his hand to his face, and rubbed at his tired eyes behind his glasses. Stifling a yawn, he got up and headed to the kitchen. As he came back into the room he heard the soft opening bars of Everybody Hurts from REM on his CD player. Passing through on his way to the balcony he lifted his leather coat from the back of his chair and shrugged it on as he stepped outside.

When your day is long.. and the night..
The night is yours alone..

He lent his stomach against the railing and folded his arms over his chest, the cup of hot cocoa secured in his right hand.

When you're sure you've had enough of this life..
Hang on.. Don't let yourself go..
Because everybody cries..
Everybody hurts sometimes..

He sighed and sipped at the hot drink, watching the traffic below, smelling the familiar scent of a wet city street and listening to the soft swoosh of tyres through puddles on the road. He let himself get lost in his thoughts until a line from the song playing pulled him back to reality again.

Don't let yourself go.. take comfort in your friends...*

He thought about his friends, wondering what they'd be doing on a cold night like this? He figured that Sam was probably either already in bed, or tucked up in a soft armchair, reading a good book. Janet was possibly on call at the Base. And Jack and Teal'c? Well, he'd only hazard a guess as to what they might be doing at this hour, and he wasn't ruling out sleeping either!

He had to admit that since he returned home, the two of them had been on his mind. He really envied them, and their - as Mac called it - geographical break. Intended to live light years apart, destiny had brought them together and now they were set for life. Happy with each other, able to share their hopes and fears, and experiences with each other, albeit in a clandestine affair, but at least they still had each other.

They were in that one enviable position, they were able to go home and talk about the Goa'uld attack, or the strange beings that lived in the woods that could make themselves - and others - invisible at will, or any number of odd experiences they lived through each and every day because of their *job*. Daniel knew the possibility for him to tell anyone he shared his life with anything other than his *cover story* would be the day Hades freezed over. And he'd started to give up trying. Until Mac came into his life. Here was a man almost as equally secretive in nature, understanding that Daniel had certain limits and, strangely, he seemed to accept them without question, almost like he was used to living with the same set of rules also.

Daniel suddenly realised how much he wished he could lie in his bed, wrapped in Mac's arms, and tell him about his 'day at the office', while the man gently caressed away his worries. Sighing heavily, he knew it would never happen. The sound of a passing motorbike on the street below had his heart leaping into his throat, tears stinging at the back of his nose as that realisation hit him like a runaway train. Not only was that dream of his so impossible, it looked to be improbably as another day passed without Mac's return. The young anthropologist started to resign himself to the fact that he wasn't going to return.

//They never do,// he told himself as he sipped at his hot cocoa and sniffled back the tears of loneliness welling within his tired body in the late hour.

The tyres of another passing car whooshed on the street below and Daniel watched its tail lights go around the corner and disappear from view. He checked his watch. It was ten minutes to midnight. He sipped the drink once more then went inside, changing the CD and putting on 'Blessid Union of Souls' instead, punching the button to track six. The song started up and he went out onto the balcony once more, listening to a song he'd really only discovered that week despite having the c.d. for a few months now. While working late one night, he came to realise how well it summed up his feelings for Mac perfectly.

If I needed you so desperately
To come to me and talk to me
To take my heart and hand into your comfort zone
Where I'm not alone or lonely
Well would you take the time to be my friend
Cause in the end that's all there is
There's love - the eternal bond between us
Would you be there?

When the lights are down low and I'm feeling insecure
With this bed so big and cold - only memories to hold
It's your voice I need to hear to help me overcome this fear
I need your hand to help my heart from sinking into this quicksand of love

If I told you that I couldn't bear to be alone
Would you be there?
And if I said I need your heart to be my home
Would you let me stay there?

The cold wind whipped his hair around his face but he felt warm despite that as he recalled, vividly, the sound of Mac's soft grunts as the man nudged at his face, the feel of his arms around him, touching him, caressing him all over. He closed his eyes and he could smell Mac, the heady aroma of his arousal, the subtleness of his aftershave when they went to the markets together. He wrapped the leather coat around himself a little more tightly, caressing his hands over the cool surface.

If I needed you so desperately
To come to me and talk to me
To take my heart and hand into your comfort zone
Where I'm not alone or lonely
Well would you take the time to be my friend
Cause in the end that's all there is
There's love - the eternal bond between us
Would you be there for me
Can't you see
I need you and you need me tonight
Close your eyes
Realize
I've got so much love to give you.

If I told you that I couldn't bear to be alone
Would you be there? Would you be there for me?
And if I said I need your heart to be my home
Would you let me stay there? Can I stay there?

Don't wanna be alone anymore..
Don't wanna be alone all by myself anymore..
Oh no, no, no..

He blinked his eyes open and dispelled a trapped breath within a long yawn. He took another small sip of his drink then crossed his arms and lent down onto the railing once more. He heard another motorbike on the street below and lent further over the railing, almost willing it to be Mac's but knowing at the same time that it wasn't the right engine sound for his bike. He sighed again.

"Hello, handsome.."

Daniel's head jerked up, his wide eyes staring straight ahead for a long heartbeat until he began to turn around - slowly - and face the man slouched against his patio door frame. His eyes scanned over the tall, good looking traveler; with his arms crossed over his chest, his feet crossed casually at the ankles and a smile to die for hidden beneath a golden beard.

"Mac..?" He stammered out softly. His throat had constricted so much that he found talking difficult. The men stared at each other for a few moments then Mac looked down at his feet.

"You look like you weren't expecting me?" There was hesitation in the voice, nervousness in the dark brown eyes.

"I.. I wasn't-" came the honest response followed by nervous blinking. Mac lifted his brow and then pulled a little face, as if to ask, 'so are you disappointed?'.

Daniel stood there, blue eyes wide and mouth opened slightly, his hand still curled around his cup as he stared at the man standing just inside his home. Mac's smile grew more confident at the scrutiny and he gave a low, deep laugh as he straightened up, his blue plaid shirt opening to reveal the cream undershirt beneath it. His long, blue-denim clad legs uncrossed as he squared his shoulders back, still smiling at the look of total surprise on Daniel's face.

"Is that it? Are you just going to look?" Mac asked, opening his arms in placation, his palms facing the man on the balcony. He suddenly recalled the answer to that question last time. // I could get off by just looking// Daniel had told him. But there wasn't such a response this time. Instead, Daniel shakily put the cup down onto the bench beside him then pointed into the apartment as he brushed past Mac and stepped inside silently. Mac pulled a nervous face before following him in and closing the door behind them. It didn't look promising.

"You came back?!" Daniel said incredulously, remaining with his back to Mac. The other man nodded, a little regretfully now. It was obvious, by his reaction, that Daniel *wasn't* expecting him. Mac suddenly felt his stomach flip flop at the awkwardness of the situation.

"Well, I told you I 'would'. I mean.. well.. we *agreed* to talk about .. I'm.. well.." Mac was at a loss for words. Realising he sounded like a babbling fool, he sighed out loudly as he tried to collect his thoughts from the shattered pieces on the floor.

"I'm sorry," he said as he waved his hands in the air, his voice sounding apologetic, not only for the late hour, but the misunderstanding. "It's late and maybe this wasn't the right thing.. I mean, I almost didn't expect you to still be awake-"

He never got to finish the sentence before Daniel swung himself around and threw himself into his arms, kissing him passionately.

The trouble shooter moaned softly. This was more like it! His hands hesitated a moment before he closed them over Daniel's waist, squeezing him firmly. As Daniel's tongue pressed passed his lips, seeking the sanctity of his lover's sweet mouth, Mac slipped his hands across his broad back, engulfing the other man within his arms as he clutched him closer to his body.

Mac had been anticipating this moment all week, and as he shivered all alone in the run down shack the only thing that could warm him were his memories of being with Daniel. He felt a certain coldness within him that only eased when he allowed himself to think of the younger man - of being cradled by him, being kissed by him, being held in his strong arms and being stroked by his gentle hands. That alone alerted him to his depth of feelings for the anthropologist.

And it also terrified him. The entire ride over from Pueblo he was chilled to the bone, his skin crawled with goose bumps and his heart thumped hard in his chest as anticipation and fear filled him. Once, when he reached the junction in the highway, he was tempted to drive on, not to detour into Colorado Springs at all, scared that when he got back Daniel would have changed him mind.

He had considered stopping to telephone Jack, to see if his brother knew how Daniel was feeling, but he decided against that also. By the time he had located a public phone, he was too close to Daniel's apartment block to ignore the lure of the man any longer.

He knew very well that he shook as he climbed the stairs up to the third floor. His heart thumped in his chest, his mouth was dry. Nervously he'd knocked but got no response. He tried the door and it opened so he stepped inside cautiously, looking around for any signs of the occupier. There was nothing but the music playing to indicate he was home. Then Mac saw the curtain billowing by the patio doors. He'd stepped down into the living area, quietly dropping his pack and leather jacket onto the floor, then went over to the doors. A smile filled his face as he saw Daniel, bent over the rail on the patio and wearing the coat he'd bought for him. He didn't want to disturb the voyeuristic moment but the words just slipped from his mouth without warning as he casually lent against the door frame.

At first he wasn't so sure about Daniel's reaction. He wasn't certain the younger man was that pleased to see him so he tried to play it cool, feeling his blood chill once more. Then when Daniel beckoned him into the apartment and kissed him - the *hunger* within that kiss - it finally drove the chill from his bone, the tendrils of warmth seeped through every inch of his body, electrifying every nerve ending he had.

Daniel moaned softly as he reluctantly pulled back from the lips he'd craved so much all week. He languidly opened his heavy eyes, with pupils so large there was only the merest rings of blue surrounding the inky pools, and he looked into Mac's dark eyes.

"Hmmm." He smiled then steadied himself back onto his feet. Suddenly overly warm, he slipped the jacket off his shoulders and tossed it onto the nearby sofa chair.

"Hmmm, indeed!" Mac smiled, his hands slipping up Daniel's back, over his shoulder and cupping his jaw as he stared lovingly at the younger man.

Wordlessly they moved towards each other again, their faces bumping lightly together, both nudging the other gently with mouths open in anticipation of a kiss. Daniel's lips brushed over the stringy beard on Mac's face, his tongue darting out to lick at his bottom lip, tasting the faintest smear of orange juice within Mac's mouth.

Mac licked at him haphazardly, catching his top lip and tip of his nose. Daniel growled with a deep chuckle as he pulled back again, his hands tugging at the long blond hair carefully. He looked over the older man's face; taking in the dark smoky eyes, the golden beard, the smile that his memory hadn't done justice to all week. Gripping the blond hair into his fists, he guided Mac closer once more, his mouth opening hungrily for another taste of his much missed lover.

His lips barely parted from the ones he was devouring as he whispered breathlessly, "I don't believe you came back!"

Mac smiled against Daniel's lips then kissed him deeper, his hands coming up to grip his lover's head gently as he lost himself in his mouth once more. He was happy to be warm, happy to be safe and happy to be back in the arms of Daniel again. How he'd thought about the man's soft kisses. The way his lips felt against his own, the way his little tongue teased at him, driving him wild with ecstasy as it licked at his lips before plummeting deeply into his mouth. Much like it was doing right now.

Amidst soft sighs of contentment, both men finally pulled back, fixing their gaze onto the face that they'd been dreaming about all week.

"Of course I came back," Mac said assuredly then stepped back a fraction to look Daniel up and down. Shaking his head, he fixed slightly watery eyes onto the soft blue gaze once more. "How could I stay away?"

Daniel felt his throat tighten as a lump pressed itself against his vocal cords, making all attempts to talk croaky at best.

"I missed you." The candid confession was out before Daniel could do anything to protect himself against it.

Mac exhaled a deep breath as he pulled him in for a long, tight cuddle. His lips brushed his mate's ear as he whispered, in a soft but shaky voice, "I missed you, too!"

.o0o.

Daniel was lost against Mac's mouth once more, enjoying feeling the large, strong hands running up and down his back pulling him against Mac's warm body, then a hand slipping down over the rise of his butt and grounding their groins together - the implications of the deed obvious to him. Loud but soft moans escaped the blond man, his face tilting for better access, the beard scratching against Daniel's own stubble, his tongue seeking and dipping deeper into the coffee washed mouth.

Daniel's fingers burrowed into the short blond beard, catching it into his fists as he pulled his face back and broke the kiss. Breathlessly he stared into the sable eyes, seeing the moisture trapped within the bottom lashes and feeling less ashamed for his own that were stinging the back of his nose and threatening to rim his eyes. He opened his mouth, brushed his parted lips against Mac's eager mouth, feeling the tongue tip swipe him before he pulled back away again to look into the dark eyes again. Uncontrollably he sucked in a shaky breath as he felt Mac's hand trembled slightly as it traced down his cheek then cupped his face.

Daniel released the fists full of beard and one hand went to grip the wrist of the hand cupping his face while the other toyed absently with the buttons on Mac's undershirt.

"I guess this is the time that I ask how your week was," he said in a small voice.

"I suppose." Mac said with a smirk.

They stood staring at each other again, both buoyed enough by the reunion to smile.

Daniel wet his lips and tilted his face up slightly, jutting his chin towards Mac. "So?"

"Lousy. And yours?"

Laughing at the abrupt answer Daniel dipped his face, then mumbled, almost under his breath, "pretty bad actually."

Mac stared at the crown of the lowered head. "Pretty bad work wise or pretty bad.." He hesitated as Daniel looked up at him once more. "Well," he said in a less assured voice, "because.. you were missing me?"

The archaeologist blinked quickly, pressing his glasses back into place on the bridge of his nose.

"A bit of both." Daniel cringed internally at the lie, but Mac didn't need to know how much he'd started to pine for him, especially in the last few hours.

Mac smiled then nodded, telling himself that Daniel didn't need to know how much he'd thought about this reunion all week, playing it over and over in his mind to keep away the cold night air. "Yeah, same here."

Daniel's expression changed slightly as he looked up then touched lightly at the makeshift bandage over Mac's left eyebrow. "So I see. How did you get that?"

The brown eyes darted up in the direction of the touch then he looked into the blue eyes that were focused onto the bandage.

"Oh, a little run in with a.." // butt of a gun // "tree." The older man shrugged. Daniel nodded then went onto tip toes and kissed it softly. Mac gave a soft moan in response. Dropping down once more, Daniel smiled as he looked into the brown eyes again.

"I've got more bumps and scrapes." The trouble shooter grinned cheekily. Daniel lifted his eyebrow slightly.

"Oh? Really?"

"Ahh, but first!" The scruffy man laughed as he held his hands out to the side of him, "I *really* need a shower."

Daniel looked at him. He hadn't even noticed, but now he could see the dirt and mud covering Mac's pant legs, the rips on his shirt and the scratches up Mac's forearm, small blood stains marred the white undershirt. Wondering just *how* all this happened, but aware that he wouldn't get a straight answer if he asked, Daniel nodded and slipped his hand into Mac's, leading the way to the bathroom.

The weary traveler smiled as he watched Daniel turn the shower on for him. "Want to take it with me?" He asked, as he kicked his boots off and tugged at the buttons on his undershirt at the same time.

Daniel reached out and took over the unfastening of the buttons, and the older man took the opportunity to smooth down the archaeologist's ruffled hair.

"I missed you so much," he whispered as he stared at him. Daniel nodded, his eyes locked onto Mac's.

"I .. wasn't sure if one week meant Friday or Sunday," he said quietly. Mac smiled and ran his hand down the back of Daniel's head again.

"So you *were* expecting me?"

The younger man shrugged a little. "Hoping - but not really expecting."

Mac nodded. He always knew he was coming back to Daniel, but he understood that Daniel had an intense fear of losing people. He should have known that the archaeologist wasn't going to believe he'd would return until he *actually* did. Even then it seemed he had a lot of trouble believing it. It saddened him that Daniel had lost so many people, but, as he lifted his hands in the air to allow his lover to pull his tops up and over his head, he vowed that he wasn't going to let Daniel down this weekend - in any way.

"I got through a little quicker than anticipated actually," he said as Daniel carefully eased the shirt and undershirt off over his head. The trouble shooter flinched as Daniel touched his hand to the deep red and black bruises over his ribs.

"Mac? What happened?" He gasped and looked up at him but Mac just shrugged. Biting his lip, Daniel looked down at his body again, putting his hands on his waist and twisting him around then screwing his eyes up as he saw more bruises on his back - one the size and shape of a boot. Gripping him carefully but firmly enough to turn him back again, Daniel looked into his eyes. Mac stared back unblinkingly.

"I got beaten a bit," he candidly admitted with a shrug. "I was on a stake out and these guys kinda didn't like it and-" He couldn't believe he was actually telling Daniel the *truth*. Sensing that he was, Daniel put his finger over Mac's lips.

"Should you be telling me this?" He asked then watched as Mac shrugged again. He began undoing his jeans while the anthropologist stepped back, lifting his own t-shirt off over his head then he pulled his sweat pants down. Mac frowned when he saw the bruise on Daniel's hip.

"Ouch! What happened to *you*?" He asked, touching his tanned fingers to the skin gently. Daniel wet his lips and then, as Mac looked up at him, he gave a deep sigh.

"Ummm, it happened on a mission last week. I was tied to a totem pole and I was about to be a virgin sacrifice by a tribe of natives when Jack crept up and cut me down, only my feet and hands were still tied together and I kinda toppled off and landed face.... Why are you laughing?"

Mac held his hands up in defense as he tried to catch his breath. "Oh, Dan. I'm sorry!" He tried sucking in some air while watching Daniel arch a brow in suspicion, which only made him laugh harder.

"Oh, sorry! Aww, man, I'm sorry, but *you*? A virgin sacrifice?"

Daniel rolled his eyes. "You know, that was Jack's response! And Sam's, too!"

"Well," Mac said, cuddling the naked man closer to him. Pulling the glasses from Daniel's face, he smiled as he placed them down behind him. "Luckily for me, *I* should know!"

Daniel sighed and wrapped his arms around Mac's shoulders as they nudged their faces together gently, Mac's lips brushing over Daniel's cheek softly.

"Where are these natives? I'll go tell them you're no virgin," he chuckled as he moved down to suckle on Daniel's throat, making the younger man sigh deeply.

"They're.. err.. a long, long way away-"

Mac kissed his throat tenderly, his tongue pressing onto the warm skin then his lips pressed softly onto the throat once more. He stepped backwards, pulling Daniel into the shower with him and they both felt the warm water cascade down their bodies.

"Awww.. man-" Mac gave a luxurious sigh as he tilted his head back, wetting his long blond hair under the stream. He looked at Daniel, who was staring at him, then the anthropologist smiled before squeezing some shampoo into his palm. He indicated to Mac to kneel before him which he did. As he massaged the light fruity scented liquid through Mac's long, blond hair the older man enjoyed the view before him.

Daniel's long fingers pressed firmly over Mac's scalp, creating a deluge of tingles throughout the tired trouble shooter's body. The warm water, the steam, the gentle but firm massage and, most importantly, the view all made Mac's belly burn with desire. His hand came up and he trailed one finger down the length of Daniel's partly aroused shaft. It twitched under the touch, swelling a little in width and the veins stood out a little more. Mac's mouth began to water as he looked over the little paunch, the golden hairs darkened by the water, the way the water trailed in rivulets down the golden skin onto the legs where they then meshed with the darkened hairs on the thighs. More water trailed between the thighs, to run off from the soft dark sac in one stream, mirrored by the stream falling from the tip of the semi-flaccid penis before it. His thoughts returned to the scalp massage.

"This feels so good." He sighed, tilting his head back and smiling up at Daniel. The younger man grinned, then nodded for him to rinse his hair clean. Mac rose to his feet slowly, and Daniel could see how tired he really was. When Mac's dark eyes fell onto him he gave him a small smile then reached out for the soap. He lathered it between his hands, working up the white suds until they oozed from between his fingers then he put the bar back on the holder and placed his hands on Mac's wet, hairy chest. He sighed softly to himself as he ran his hands all over the bruised, but gorgeous, chest and stomach while Mac stood and allowed his lover to cleanse him, washing away a lot more than his week of dirt - Daniel was washing away his tension, hhis pain and his loneliness as well. Reaching out for the bar once more, Daniel held it in his hand as he lifted Mac's arm, but Mac took the soap now and cleaned under his own arms then reached down and cleaned his own groin and cleft, leaving Daniel to stand and bite his bottom lip lightly as he watched. Mac washed off the residue suds from the soap before putting it back into the holder then he turned to Daniel and smiled.

The younger man now lifted the soap up and washed his own groin, carefully peeling back his foreskin and exposing his pink tip. He turned and rinsed the head clean of soap before twisting from the spray once more to lather up the soap against his pubic hair. Mac swallowed lustfully and before Daniel could wash the suds away, Mac had his hands on his hips, keeping him out of the water as he slowly sunk to his knees.

Daniel caught his breath as he looked down. He let Mac guide him closer by running his hands up the backs of his wet thighs, then he inhaled deeply as he felt the hot mouth go around him. He groaned loudly, savoring the sensation as much as he possible could before he placed one hand on Mac's shoulder and the other around the blond head lightly. Through half closed eyes he looked down to watch as Mac swallow him deeply, the suds from the soapy pubic hair catching against the darkened golden beard.

"Oh.. please." Daniel sighed softly as Mac reached one hand up over his stomach and up to his chest. The anthropologist caught it in his own hands, entwining their fingers together, then he reached down to kiss his lover's hand, sucking a digit into his mouth and mirroring the movements of Mac's mouth on his shaft with that of his mouth on Mac's finger. All too soon he felt himself climb nearer and nearer to the edge - his breath coming in sharp, raspy waves and his body starting to shake. He gripped Mac's hand tighter, and used his other hand to support himself against the wall before him as he started to thrust deeply into his lover's mouth.

"Oh.. God.. Mac!" He gasped and cried out loudly as the week of frustration melted away within him. He felt the older man's hand press against the small of his back, encouraging him to thrust deeper. Breaking the hand hold, Daniel reached down and gripped Mac's wet, blond hair up in his fists as he suddenly shuddered, spilling down his lover's throat in waves until he was finally spent. Daniel slumped back against the wet tiles, slowly sinking to his butt on the warm tiled floor.

"Oh.. Mac.. that felt so good," he mumbled incoherently then heard a contented groan in return as Mac moved to put his arms around him now, pulling him into a tight cuddle.

"I know! It's all I've been thinking about on the ride over here." His voice was a hoarse whisper before he gave a gentle cough and cleared his throat, all the while his hand doodled across Daniel's wide back. The younger man wrapped his arms around Mac's neck now, burying his face against his throat, squeezing him closer, still in disbelief that he was finally back again.

They sat in silence for a few long moments, enjoying just holding each other once more, then slowly Daniel unwrapped himself from Mac and sat back. The trouble shooter smiled sleepily as he brushed the wet hair off his lover's flushed face.

"You okay?" Daniel touched his hand to the underside of Mac's chin, then he washed away the suds still trapped in Mac's beard.

"I'm here with you, why wouldn't I be?" He asked softly. Daniel's hand moved down to the semi-flaccid groin, gently squeezing it, but Mac shifted his hand away. The anthropologist wasn't offended by the action. Instead he said, "You look tired."

"I *am* tired. I've been up since five this morning and the place I was sleeping in wasn't really well insulated.."

The truth of the matter was, the place he was in was an old miner's hut with missing panels on the wall, nothing but the broken wooden floor to sleep on, while he used the one abandoned table as a shield against the wind that howled relentlessly through the hut. He was unable to have a fire as the light would have given away his hideout, so he made a little stove out of a nearby can and some of the floorboards and he was able to heat water and cook food, but it wasn't big enough to give off any heat. So, he slept huddled up inside a sleeping bag, and counted down the days he'd be back in Daniel's arms and bed! So, to say he got little sleep all week was a bit of an understatement, but he knew that Daniel had certain expectations upon his return, and he wasn't about to let him down tonight.

"You were cold?" Came Daniel's concerned response.

For some reason that thought almost broke Daniel's heart. Mac saw that in his eyes and felt a flood of warmth throughout his body at his young partner's concern. He recalled how concerned Daniel got last time he'd discussed being cold. The younger man had jumped on top of him, devouring him in a spine tingling kiss, his hands frantic over his body, his whole being intent on 'warming' his lover. The mere memory of that kiss and the concern in Daniel's eyes right now warmed Mac considerably.

"I was.. I was okay." He nodded, lying to make Daniel feel better.

But the star-gater wasn't fooled as he stared into the soft, brown eyes. Mac had obviously been extremely uncomfortable wherever it was he had been that past week. Uncomfortable, then beaten.

"Wait here." He kissed his lips gently before he left the shower. Mac sighed as he stayed collapsed against the wall, the hot water washing over him soothingly. He wasn't sure he had the energy to go anywhere.

Daniel soon returned, dressed in a t-shirt and boxer shorts, and he he held out a thick, fluffy blue toweling gown.

"Out you get." He smiled as Mac's eyes opened slowly. The older man took a moment before pushing himself up and stepping out of the cubicle. Daniel helped him into the gown then reached in and switched off the water. He placed his arm around Mac and led him to the bedroom. He didn't even realise he'd done it, but Mac gave an audible sigh when he saw the room once more. The big, comfortable bed, its covers invitingly turned back already, the soft light from the oil lamp creating an intimate atmosphere that Mac was ready to drown in.

"A man could get used to this kind of treatment," he said. Daniel smiled. He'd hope so.

"Just sit." He gave a nod towards the bed as he helped his tired lover to sit down. He reached out and took the towel that he'd used on himself and rubbed Mac's long hair dry with it as he stood between his knees. The older man ran his hands up the backs of the bare thighs and buried his face against the soft, warm stomach. He mumbled something against Daniel's top and the anthropologist pulled back and looked down at him.

"What was that?" He asked.

"I said, you shampooed me, washed me, dried my hair, what's next? You going to peel my grapes for me?" He repeated, grinning.

"I'm fresh out of grapes." Daniel shrugged as he moved down to Mac's legs and dried them off. The trouble shooter actually grew a little tense as Daniel's hands worked their way back up his thighs, aware where his young lover was heading to, and hoping he had it in him to provide it.

Daniel's hand carefully dried off Mac's groin, then he kissed the flaccid penis lightly. Mac flopped back onto the billowing quilt, one hand coming up to shield his face as he mentally tried to prepare himself for what was about to come. Daniel laughed and reached up over his body and kissed his lips.

"Get up," he said quietly. Mac lifted his hand off his face and looked at him.

"I'm trying to!" He cringed.

Daniel gave a deep laugh. "Not that.. you!" He said, standing up and holding his hand out to pull Mac to his feet.

"Oh!" The blond man nodded. Daniel peeled back the bedding and, with a gentle shove, indicated for Mac to climb in. He removed his own clothes and climbed in next to him, spooning the naked man from behind and letting his lips brush Mac's shoulder lightly in soft kisses.

"Now, go to sleep," he ordered, his hand carefully sweeping Mac's damp long hair from the back of his neck so that he could put small, delicate kisses over his neck and behind his ear.

Mac looked over his shoulder at him. "Go to sleep?"

Daniel nodded as he smiled. "Go to sleep. Everything else can wait until the morning, unless you really want me to-"

Mac held his hand up and shook his head quickly. "No, no.. that's quite alright." He sighed as he faced forward again, enjoying the engulfing warmth and the gentle kisses. As he drifted in and out of sleep he started to wonder if this was another of his dreams, as it seemed too idyllic to be real. But he knew it couldn't be. He was warm.

.o0o.

Mac had been asleep for quite a few hours when he stirred as he felt the gentle nudges against his face and throat. Immediately knowing he was safely in Daniel's bed he grinned, his cheeks dimpling as he ran his hand into Daniel's long hair. With his eyes still closed he nudged his lips over the long hair as he mumbled, in a sleepy voice, "What are you doing?"

"Kissing you." Daniel's lips didn't leave the surface of Mac's throat.

"Hmm, I know.. but why?" He asked, slipping in and out of drowsy sleep.

"I promised myself that if you came back I'd do two things. One of them was to kiss you all over-"

Mac's hand twitched in Daniel's hair as he started to lull off to sleep again with the anthropologist kissing his chest now. "What's the other th- ?"

Daniel stopped and looked up, glad he'd fallen asleep and not asked that question. He wasn't sure if he was ready to give the answer. He went back to kissing Mac's chest, enjoying it when the man groaned in his sleep as his tongue laved at his nipples. He noted the scars, some looking years old, especially the large one on his right shoulder, near his collar bone. It looked cauterized and made Daniel flinch. He'd noticed it last time but didn't want to ask. Now with Mac asleep, he had the chance to really look him over. There were dozens of scars on his body. Daniel had to wonder what the man did that was so dangerous. And secretive. His finger trailed along a large scar over Mac's hip and the sleeping man flinched slightly. Must have tickled, Daniel mused to himself. He moved his attention away, not wanting to wake his partner. There were several scars on and around his knee as well. Daniel couldn't resist the urge to place a soft kiss there. Mac's legs shifted against the bedding, his body twisting slightly from the touch. He trailed his eyes up a faint but long scar along Mac's right thigh until he reached his groin. He stopped, looking at the flaccid penis against the dark tuft of hair. He touched his finger to the tip, tracing its circumcised profile then saw the twitch it gave. Mac shuffled in his sleep.

"Dan, I'm.. tired." He reached down blindly and pushed him away.

"That's okay. I just wanna play." Daniel said flatly, not moving anything but his lips as he stared hungrily at the groin before him. Mac groaned and then tucked his face against his arm flung above his head, revealing the dark tuft of hair beneath his arm. Daniel smiled. There was just something so sexy about a man with hair! But not too hairy! Mac was just perfect, in his eyes. Enough hair on the chest to toy with, but for the most part, the skin was smooth. His finger traced down the firm body from his chest, following the arrow over his stomach then down to his groin, where he traced over the head once more, seeing it twitch again.

"I promise I'll ravish you tomorrow, but right now," Mac rolled onto his side denying Daniel access, "I'm beat."

Daniel looked at the mottled skin on Mac's back in the lamp light. *Beaten* more like, he said to himself as he laid behind him, spooning against him. Mac groaned softly as he relaxed back against Daniel, and the anthropologist slipped his arm over his waist and cuddled him tightly, trying to shut out the images of Mac being beaten from his mind.

.o0o.

They were still in that position when Mac woke several hours later. Unlike the first time he awoke, his eyes sprung open and it took him a few moments to realise where he was. With the forgotten lamp still on, he soon recognised the room and settled back against his warm lover, feeling safe and secure in his arms. Daniel snuggled a little closer to him with a contented growl without waking.

//Yeah// Mac thought to himself, // a man could *really* get used to this!//

He laid watching the wind billow the cream curtain at the window, hearing the sounds of children playing on the streets, cars going to whatever business they had to go to on Sunday morning, and then he heard the best sound of all.. the soft snoring of Daniel behind him.

He smiled and placed his arm along his young lover's arm which was still draped around his waist. He cautiously picked up the hand, not wanting to wake him with any jerky movement, then he kissed the palm lightly. Daniel's fingers twitched and he snuggled down into his bed a little more. Mac checked over his shoulder and smiled as he sensed Daniel go back to sleep. He held the hand in his, examining it, seeing the pale white scratches on the finger pads - probably from archaeology, Mac figured - then he turned the hand over carefully and looked over the back of it. Daniel's golden hair glistened on the skin, all the way up to his wrist, then up his arm. He hadn't noticed just how 'hairy' Daniel was, but it was certainly appealing. He touched the small tuft of hairs on each finger then reached down to brush them across his top lip, loving that delicate feeling. Daniel fidgeted and Mac held still, wanting the moment to himself, but, unfortunately, Daniel rolled onto his back, mumbling something inaudible in his sleep about a Goa'uld and a gate, then he turned his head away from Mac and started his soft snoring again.

Mac rolled over, propped his head onto one hand and smiled at the man lying beside him. Now *this* was even better. Now Daniel's feet had the quilt tangled around them and Mac had an unlimited view of his lover down to his calf muscles. A big grin now filled the trouble shooter's face as he looked at the hand he'd just held. It was now lying over Daniel's broad chest, the skin so tanned against the pale chest. He scanned up the body slowly, then sighed as he brushed some of the long dark hair out of his lover's eyelashes.

"You are so perfect Daniel," he whispered to himself as he drank in the image beside him. // Because of you,// he remembered Daniel saying last time.

He smiled then hoped that the guy missed him, even just a quarter of what he'd missed being here with him. If he had, there might be a chance for something to really develop between them.

Daniel had changed Mac's way of thinking. Afterall, Mac had told himself that he'd never love again after Murdoc, but he wasn't sure now that he couldn't. He knew he wasn't there yet, but he felt it within him to allow himself to see where this was heading. He looked at Daniel's throat, twisted with his face turned away from him, his Adam's Apple was predominant and the long, thick veins stood out under the morning stubble. A good, manly throat, Mac smiled to himself, then wondered why it should surprise him. Everything about Daniel was manly and that's what drove him wild!

He picked up Daniel's hand again, deceptively gentle when it was definitely a strong hand, a worker's hand, and the small calluses on the palm and finger tips stood as testament to that. He kissed the palm once more then knew the time had come for him to leave the room, or else ravish the poor guy as he slept.

.o0o.

Jack woke with a startled gasp and curled up abruptly. His head was spinning and lights flashed behind his still closed eyes. Blindly his hands went down to the head suckling at his groin. When he heard the deep rumble of a laugh from his 'husband' he opened his eyes slowly. Teal'c tilted his head so that he could see Jack better. It also afforded the colonel an incredible view of the dark lips around his hard, pale shaft.

"Good morning," he groaned, chuckling deeply in the back of his throat as his lover sucked and licked him insatiably. Teal'c lifted his head slightly and sealed his lips around the shaft mid way down. Then he waited until Jack looked relaxed before he gave a deep, low hum - the resulting vibration trembling it's way through Jack's shaft. He watched Jack's face contort with pleasure, his breath started coming in gasps now.

Experienced hands cupped and caressed the tight balls leaving the little finger, already coated in a smear of Vaseline, trailing over the perineum and it effortlessly breached the tight ring. Jack gasped and arched his hips off the bed high, squeezing the digit embedded within him.

"Oh, please! Teal'c, baby," Jack murmured, his heart was pounding in his throat, making he feel like he'd have a heart attack and die right there on the spot from the shock and arousal. "I don't have the strength for.. for.." he stammered as the Jaffa started to gently finger-fuck him. "For.. for.." He melted, knowing that he was incapable of finishing the sentence. The dark man laughed wickedly and Jack growled, knowing that he'd lost this round.

Teal'c's finger expertly struck at the prostrate, sending wave upon wave of tingles throughout Jack's body, as he continued to gently suck on his lover.

"Baby.. Baby!" Jack cried out as he shot his load down the Jaffa's throat. Teal'c continued to suck him gently until the shaft had grown flaccid and Jack had fallen to the bed, totally drained.

Straightening up, Teal'c crawled over the rumpled man, straddling the smaller body with his thick legs. He reached down onto his elbows, cradling Jack's head in his hands.

"Good morning, my husband."

Jack laughed and threaded his arms around the large, dark body above him.

"Hmmm, good morning. Is that a traditional Jaffa Husband wake up call?"

Teal'c laughed deeply, his eyes flashing. "It can be."

Jack looked up and laughed, loving the twinkle in his beloved's eyes. "So, I'm the lucky one! You're always up before me."

"In more ways than one, my sleepy companion." Teal'c leant forward and pressed on the tip of Jack's nose with his fingertip. Jack laughed again. "I may one day wake you in the Huk'lem way."

"Huk'lem?"

Teal'c nodded. Jack growled and shifted beneath him, feeling the engorged tip pressing under his ribs. He caught his breath.

"And that would be?" He asked calmly, despite the waves of excitement growing within him.

"To awaken you with my member in your mouth."

Jack choked and his eyes grew wide. "Excuse me?"

"To awaken you with my-"

Holding his hand up at his lover, he chuckled. "I heard you the first time!"

Teal'c grinned.

"So?" Jack said, bucking his hips and tossing Teal'c over onto his back. He climbed on top of the thick body and the two men growled with laughter as Jack pinned his wrists to the bed. Sitting up straighter again, he put his hand on the opening of the pouch, feeling the tip of the Goa'uld as it tried to poke its head out.

"Not today, Junior. I'm going to ravish your host and I don't need your help - yet!" He swallowed uncomfortably at that last word, then looked deeply into Teal'c's eyes. The Jaffa's eyes twinkled with anticipation.

"You intend to ravish me?"

"Ah huh!" Jack's finger slipped over the large, firm chest, drawing a pattern on the silken skin. He reached down, nibbling at the erect nipple, his teeth chewing the nub gently. Teal'c caught his breath.

"You were saying?" He asked in a husky voice.

"Hmm?" Jack asked through a mouth full of pectoral muscle and nipple.

"You heard me the first time. So.." Teal'c breathlessly reminded him of what they had been discussing.

Pulling up and wiping the back of his hand across his mouth, Jack sat back.

"So why the hell haven't you done that Hukking thing to me before?"

Teal'c laughed and slipped his hands up along Jack's arms then around his neck. Tightening his stomach muscles he effortlessly pulled himself up into a sitting postion with Jack sitting on his lap facing him.

"You were not my husband before. Huk'lem is a privilege reserved *only* for husbands."

"Lucky Drey'ak!" Jack quipped dryly making both men laugh loudly.

Then the colonel raised his brow. "And you didn't think this warranted earlier mention in our relationship?"

Teal'c deadpanned. "I needed you to marry me for myself, not for my techniques in the bedroom, O'Neill."

"Huh?" For a moment Jack was tricked, but he soon saw the smile burgeoning at Teal'c's lips. "Yeah, right!"

The Jaffa roared with laughter.

"Yeah, laugh it up," Jack mumbled as he knelt up, feeling the trapped shaft pop up again. Placing his hands onto the rounded chest against him, he lowered himself again slowly, impaling himself onto Teal'c - aided slightly by the smear of Vaseline still on his opening. Teal'c clamped his eyes tight and groaned deeply. Smiling as he watched the pleasure wash over his lover's face, Jack inched himself down until he was sitting on his lover's groin again.

"You were unprepared," Teal'c's low voice rumpled through Jack.

"You like it best that way," Jack winced and slowly began to rise to the tip of the thick shaft.

"It hurts you."

"It didn't. Don't panic. Lay back and enjoy. No!" He put his hand on the tip of the Goa'uld as it poked out of Teal'c's stomach again.

"You.. wish to get the jar?" Teal'c shivered.

"No," Jack eyed the slits cautiously. "Besides, if we're gonna move on to the Jaffa Marriage thingy, *he* needs to be here," he said, unable to hide the slight disdain in his voice.

Teal'c smiled, nonetheless, knowing that Jack was willing to participate fully in the Marriage Ritual because he loved him so much. He was willing to push aside all fear and loathing of the little white snake to please Teal'c. That made Teal'c feel more loved than he had ever felt in his life. With a forceful shudder, the large man screamed out Jack's name hoarsely and curled up, shattering into Jack his full load. He flopped back onto the bed and panted for air.

Jack eased himself off the still hard shaft and fell onto the bed beside his mate.

"You fulfill me," Teal'c said, staring up at the ceiling. Jack's hand traced the contours of the body beside him.

"That's because I love you," Jack said, adding the 'earth' version of that sentiment. Teal'c's head rolled and he looked over at him.

"You do love me, do you not?"

Jack nodded. "Oh, yeah," he grinned, a little sadly. "More than anything, or *anyone* else in my entire life."

Tears brimmed the dark eyes and Teal'c rolled onto his shoulder and side, his hand coming up to cup Jack's face.

"Then we do not need to fulfill the Marriage Ritual."

Jack frowned. "Why not?"

"Because it is not your ways, O'Neill. We fulfill each other completely. We do not need to complete the ritual."

Jack wet his lips. "Then I will be a bad husband in the eyes of the Jaffa."

Teal'c laughed through the tears still trapped within his eyes. "You will not be a bad husband in the eyes of *this* Jaffa." His finger tips traced down Jack's cheek, his eyes following their movement. "Allowances have to be made within this union. I will not subject you to Kel'more."

"Kel'more?"

"It means you have to suffer to appease me. I will not allow that. 'I love you', O'Neill."

Jack felt tears sting the back of his nose, and was grateful they never made their way to his eyes. "I love you too, Teal'c."

They came together in a tender kiss, Jack cupping the large face in his hands, and Teal'c's hand slipped down and kept the snub nose from poking from the pouch.

.o0o.

\ \ An arm flung across the large bed, the hand slapped onto mattress, the fingers felt the soft, crumpled sheets -but there was no 'body' in the bed beside him. Daniel's head jerked up, his half closed eyes vaguely registering that he was alone in the bed.

He lifted his fuzzy head off his pillow and itched his nose, which was always blocked first thing in the morning, making him breathe though his mouth. He rubbed his eyes and as he tried to try to clear the blurry room around him, he gave another yawn then scratched his head. Nothing seemed to work on Daniel until his first cup of coffee.

Shuffling over until he got to the edge of the bed he stood up, stretching up over his head with a loud yawn. He stopped in the bathroom, splashing water on his face and rinsing his mouth with mouthwash before heading out to the kitchen.

He didn't like it that the apartment was silent. Perhaps Mac had gone out. He stopped and looked into the kitchen, then smiled. The object of his search was standing with his back to the door, his blond head bent as he concentrated on cooking something on the stove. He was shoeless and topless, wearing blue jeans that, Daniel admired, hugged his rump perfectly.

Daniel walked up quietly behind him, slipping his hands around his waist and nuzzling his nose through the blond hair and onto the back of his neck. Mac moaned softly as he melted back against his lover.

"Good morning," Daniel whispered huskily. Mac placed his hands over the arms around his waist then tilted his head back, and smiled.

"Morning, or rather, afternoon," he mumbled, turning his face to see Daniel over his shoulder. The younger man tightened his arms around the slender waist, pulling both bodies together tightly as he kissed down along Mac's right shoulder and over the faint freckles that drove him so wild.

Brushing his stubbled cheek over the toned shoulder, he whispered, "Sorry, did I sleep in?" He saw that it was only just after midday.

"That's fine." Mac sighed, enjoying the way the rough face scratched at his soft skin. Daniel's hands separated, one going up onto Mac's well formed chest, the other going down, over the denim, to grip the groin through the pants gently. Mac groaned deeply.

"Come back to bed," Daniel whispered lustfully.

"I'm cooking!" Mac sighed as he felt his nipple get tweaked. Daniel reached out and switched off the stove top.

"Done! Now come back to bed." He stepped back and put his hands on Mac's waist. The trouble-shooter looked at the pot on the stove, put the lid over it then placed a tea towel over the top to retain the warmth. Then he turned and smiled at his lover.

"You always this demanding in the morning?" He inquired with a playful smirk.

"Only when I want something." Daniel stepped up to him again and kissed his throat through the soft beard as he sighed, "and I want you, Mac."

A deep guttural laugh escaped the older man.  "And you shall have me," he purred, allowing Daniel to tug him towards the bedroom by his belt loops.

"Every inch of you?" Daniel grinned, staring at the firm, rounded chest and the dark hair that adorned it. How many times had he remembered rubbing his cheek against that fine chest, feeling the hairs tickle his face.

Mac rolled his eyes then nodded, "absolutely!"

Onto Part 2..
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