One hand against the wall to brace himself Daniel slowly made his way to the small room he used as quarters when staying on the base. Calling for a driver, he dressed as quickly as possible considering his shoulder was still sore as hell and his left hand was encased in plaster. Checking to make sure the hall was clear he entered the elevator as quickly as possible, pushing the button for the surface.

It had been more than a week since Jack had stopped by the infirmary and Daniel had to admit Sam's announcement that he had taken a leave of absence was more than a little shocking. Never one for sitting still, more than two days of inactivity had Jack climbing the walls, yet the archeologist had learned from Teal'c, no one had seen or heard from O'Neill since...'Damnit if I just hadn't flinched like an idiot.'

Jack had assured him it was a normal reaction but the soldier hadn't pulled the veil down quickly enough and Daniel had seen the overwhelming guilt and hurt in his best friend's brown eyes.

Unable to wear his glasses Daniel had listened intently as Sam read aloud all the mission reports, including Shelaya's imput to General Hammond. Clearly circumstances had conspired against SG-1 from their first trip. No one could have predicted the results but Jack didn't see things that way. To Jack's way of thinking, he hadn't protected his team, nor had he lived up to his responsibilities. Worse still Daniel knew, guilt over his heinous actions was eating away at his friend like a virus.

Weary but anxious to see his friend, he settled back in the seat listening to the rain on the roof, the swish of tires on wet pavement and the steady rhythm of the windshield wipers.

"We're here sir." Daniel's eyes opened at the corporal's voice.. "Would you like me to wait sir?" As he stepped out into the rain, he saw Jack's car in the driveway, the flickering blue light of the television against the closed blinds, testimony Jack was home.

"No thank you...I'll be fine. Drive safely." Dismissing the driver with a casual wave, Daniel hurried up the walk, each step a reminder the painkillers were wearing off alot sooner than he expected. Ringing the doorbell, he waited trying to be patient as the rain continued to pour in torrents, the wetness soaking through his jacket.

Jack jerked awake, the sounds of Daniel's screams still echoing in his head. Why Daniel? Jack had held it together after Charlie died, well somewhat anyway. He'd held it together after the divorce was final. Even after Kawalsky had died. He had always known in life losses were inevitable but that knowledge didn't make them any less painful.

A long time ago Jack had come to accept the fact he was destined to die alone and lonely. The life he chose for himself didn't make allowances for the people he cared about, rather putting them in the path of danger. Then a shy archeologist, with a mischievious smile and hair that always seemed to be hanging in his eyes had entered his world. Daniel had shown him there was goodness and beauty in the world, he just had to look for it. Had taught him life was worth living, but more importantly sometimes it was worth the hurt to care about people and let them care about you. Daniel had let him know that he didn't have to be alone. How ironic Daniel was the one to pay the price when he'd finally snapped.

"Go away!" Jack shouted tossing a bottle at the door. Damnit didn't they get the picture? He didn't want to see anyone or listen to Carter, Janet or even the general tell him that what happened with Daniel wasn't his fault. He didn't want or deserve their sympathy. The bell continued its annoying buzz. First thing tomorrow he was disconnecting that damn bell! Hell it was probably some religious fanatic out to save his soul or maybe a persistant girl scout. Was it cookie time again? Staggering to the door he jerked it open determined to send whoever it was on their way with a swift kick in the ass.

"Get the hell aw-" he snarled.

"Nice greeting Jack."