from January 2005, "This Changes Everything", J/D, NC-17

[sid]

This is my Aliens Make Them Do It fic.  Everybody has to have one, right?

Written in January 2005.  Probably NC-17, or a strong R at any rate.

I haven't read this in ages, but something made me think of it today, and I realized I've never posted it on LJ.

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

 

After The Mission

Jack’s Office

Jack was fiercely concentrating on the paperwork which filled his inbox to overflowing. His mind was hugely distracted, but he was occasionally able to understand a document and to be able to sign off on it. Pieces of paper which he couldn’t currently understand at all went into another pile, and those he could almost grasp went into a pile to be shuffled through again. His secondary goal was to reduce the stack by at least half. His primary goal was to keep busy. Too busy to think, to remember.

His head jerked up as he heard a rap on his open door. Daniel stood in the doorway. “Knock, knock.” The last person he wanted to see. And that thought was obviously written large on his face, because Daniel hesitated before entering the room, and then only came in halfway. “Jack, I wanted to….”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Daniel. It’s over. It happened, it’s over, let’s just move on.”

“I understand, Jack. But I have a question.”

“I don’t think you do understand, or else you wouldn’t still be standing here. There is nothing we need to talk about.” Jack’s left hand was clenched in his lap.

Daniel persisted. “I don’t have a question about what happened. I was there, I know exactly what happened, and why. My question is about something different.”

Jack looked at him doubtfully. “What?”

Daniel hesitated. Then he took a deep breath, and asked “I was wondering how long?”

“How long what?” Jack asked blankly.

Daniel’s eyes pinned him. “How long have you been in love with me?”

Jack’s expression froze. He rose from behind his desk, and stalked around to where Daniel stood his ground. Jack leaned into Daniel’s personal space and, mouth twisted, bit out the words, “I am not having this conversation with you.”

Daniel’s head pulled back a little, his eyes blinking rapidly. “I understand that we can’t discuss this here, Jack, but….”

“Daniel,” Jack said with growing anger, “you have obviously misinterpreted what happened…”

Daniel cut in. “Did you think I wouldn’t be able to tell?”

The two men stared at each other for several seconds, before Jack found speech again. “You’re mistaken, Daniel,” he said with cold finality.

Daniel searched Jack’s face, then his head dropped. “Yes, evidently I am.”

Jack felt a constriction in his chest as he looked at his friend’s bowed head. “We just need to put this behind us….”

Daniel raised reproachful eyes to Jack’s face. “And move on,” he said bitterly. “Don’t worry, Jack. I just did.” And he turned and walked out of Jack’s office.

Jack moved back behind his desk, and sat down heavily. He was staring at the empty doorway, his hand pressed to his mouth. The painful sensation in his chest remained. And a sickening thought was running through his mind. He might have just let his last chance for real happiness walk out the door.

~~

The Mission

PX7-459

Had any mission ever gone to hell in a hand basket more quickly? SG-1 had been struck down by some type of force field moments after exiting the wormhole, and had awoken in a cell. No one was injured, and they were all together, so it could be worse, Jack supposed. But he didn’t feel much like looking on the bright side under the circumstances. Especially since said circumstances involved nudity. Team nudity. He grimaced. He was finding it very difficult to talk to Carter without his eyes wandering to places that could only make her more uncomfortable. And of course she had triple the trouble finding a safe place to look.

Daniel was normally of a shy nature in the locker room and showers, but he was bearing up surprisingly well. And he was doing a good job of putting Carter at ease, more by tone of voice than actual words. She was grateful, and it showed in the way she smiled at him.

Only Teal’c, bless him, seemed relatively unperturbed. By his own nudity, at least. He was avoiding looking in Carter’s direction, but Jack was pretty sure that was for her sake, not Teal’c’s. The Jaffa version of being a gentleman.

If Jack were built like Teal’c he’d be a little less perturbed himself. As it was he felt like every wrinkle and sag was displayed for the world to see. Or maybe he just meant for Carter to see. Nothing Daniel and Teal’c hadn’t seen before. Just not for such a prolonged period of time. In the showers, in the locker room, it was a quick in and out thing. This seemed endless. No, Jack was definitely not looking on the bright side.

They had examined the cell, to look for any way out, but found nothing. It was a square room, like a box, with solid walls except for the door in one corner. Which wouldn’t budge. Half a dozen mattresses were scattered around the room, on slightly raised pedestals, so they had something comfortable to sit on, and to sleep on, if it came to that. Hopefully it wouldn’t. Crude toilet facilities were behind a chest-high curtain near the door, and a bucket of drinking water, with ladle, was at the other end of that wall. All the comforts of home, Jack thought. Aloud, he said, “You know, a little paint, a few pictures…”

That got a smile from everybody, even Teal’c. Jack caught Daniel’s eye, and grinned at him. He had to keep his team’s morale up, no matter how he felt about the situation. His kids needed him.

He was just opening his mouth to make another smartass remark, when Teal’c raised his head alertly. Something was happening, there was a humming sound….

The walls were fading, becoming transparent. Teal’c shot to his feet, with Jack and the others not far behind him. All the walls, except the one that held the door, were now as clear as glass. And SG-1 could clearly see that they were no longer alone. Shit! Tiers of seats surrounded them, and those seats were filling with people. They were on display.

An officious looking man approached their box from a seat in the front row. He turned to the crowd and held up his hand for quiet, then turned to face them. Jack did not care for the expression on his face at all. When the man began to speak, his tone and words clearly showed his disdain for the captives. “You have come where you are not welcome. We desire no visitors from alien places. You will learn this before we are through with you.”

Daniel spoke up quickly. “We’ll leave, willingly, and never return. We had no intention…. we’re peaceful explorers…”

“Silence! Your words mean less than nothing to us.” There was mild laughter from the audience, and the man smiled maliciously before continuing. “You will only leave on our terms..”

“What are your terms?” Jack asked angrily. There was slight applause from the crowd. The other man waited for the noise to die away.

“You will perform for us.” More applause. The son-of-a-bitch was eating it up. Jack really hated this guy. Now he was waiting for them to respond, drawing it out. Jack crossed his arms and just stared at him. The rest of his team was quick to catch on, and remained silent as well. The other man’s eyes narrowed, and his smirk was replaced by an openly hostile expression. “You will perform for us the act of sexual intercourse.”

Loud applause from the audience.

Shocked silence inside the cell.

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Jack finally replied. Loud laughter, and calls of approval. The performance was already well under way, as far as the audience was concerned..

“You will only leave on our terms,” the other man repeated.

Jack opened his mouth, but Daniel’s touch on his arm stopped him before he spoke. No one said a word. A few boos from the crowd were followed by a ripple of laughter.

The man looked over his shoulder at someone in the front row. When he turned back and began to speak again, his voice had grown louder. “Three of you will perform intercourse with the fourth.” He smiled broadly at the resulting applause.

Jack couldn’t stop himself from looking at Carter. Her face was pale with shock. His fists clenched. Daniel touched his arm again, and spoke. “Are there any other options?”

“Yes!” came the delighted reply. The crowd laughed again. “You can choose death.” The murmuring crowd waited eagerly for SG-1’s response.

Jack searched his teammates faces. Daniel would not meet his eyes, but Carter gave him a small nod. Teal’c’s eyes burned with anger. Jack knew exactly how he felt. “We need a few minutes to talk this over,” he said tightly.

“You waste time!”

“We accept your terms,” Jack shouted, “ we just need a little time to talk it over!” The audience clapped and whistled loudly. The officious man waved his hand in the manner of one granting a huge favor, and leered in Carter’s direction. Jack grabbed Carter’s arm and pulled her away to face the one remaining solid wall. The others followed.

What the hell was he supposed to say here? “I’m sorry, Carter”.

“I….it’s okay, I’m ready,” she replied bravely. It was so obviously not true, but there was nothing Jack could do. He scratched his head, thinking quickly.

“Okay, this is how we’re going to handle this. The two who aren’t…involved, will sit over here and face the wall. It’s the closest we can come to giving Carter privacy.” He stole a look at her face. She was looking out towards the crowd. He couldn’t remember ever seeing such hatred in her eyes before. “I’ll ask them about prophylactics, although I doubt….”

“That won’t be necessary, sir,” Sam interrupted. “We all get thorough medical checkups, and I’m sure we’re all clean. And pregnancy shouldn’t be an issue right now.”

Jack nodded at her. “Alright then. I guess we just need to decide who….”

“I’ll go first,” Daniel said softly.

Jack was surprised. He hadn’t actually been asking for volunteers. He looked at Carter, and her eyes were locked with Daniel’s, whose face bore a sort of scrunched up half-smile. Carter’s face took on a similar expression, which was good enough for Jack. “Okay, then,” he said awkwardly, and motioned towards the front of the cage.

Daniel held out his hand to Sam, and she took it. They walked over to one of the beds furthest away from where Jack and Teal’c stood. The audience was shouting and applauding. Jack wanted to kill each and every one of them. Carter sat down shakily on the side of the bed. Jack stared helplessly, then felt Teal’c gripping his arm. He turned to look at the other man, who motioned with his head towards the solid wall next to them. Right.

Jack sat down, facing the wall. He wanted to bury his head in his hands, but wouldn’t want to give these animals the satisfaction. Teal’c sat beside him. Jack stared at Teal’c’s fists, clenched on his huge thighs, and tried not to hear the soft sounds coming from the bed behind them. But it was useless. He could hear Daniel’s voice murmuring gently to Carter, and her sobbing replies. He could hear skin-on-skin sounds, and he could hear Carter’s gasp when Daniel finally penetrated her. Jack shut his eyes tightly, wishing it would all just go away. The audience was silent, not wanting to miss a single nuance of the performance.

It was over. Daniel gasped out his completion, and Sam stifled her sobs in his broad shoulder. A wave of self-disgust swept over Jack. He was partially aroused, and totally ashamed. He didn’t even want to look towards Teal’c. He didn’t want to know. This should be private. All of this should be private. The cheering audience was an abomination.

He told himself that his slight arousal was actually a good thing. It would make the task ahead that much easier. It would be over more quickly, better for Carter that way. Should he go next? Teal’c was pretty big, it might be best if he went first. What the hell? Daniel was speaking aloud. Jack’s head jerked around.

“I have a question,” Daniel said.

The officious son-of-a-bitch from earlier stepped forward again. “Speak,” he said with obvious curiosity.

“Does it necessarily have to be the woman? If the other two have intercourse with me, three will have had intercourse with the fourth, right?” Daniel held his breath, waiting nervously for the answer. Jack, mouth hanging open, and eyes wide with shock, had sprung up from his seat and was moving to Daniel’s side. Sam sat up on the bed. The man turned to consult with someone in the front row. The audience was stirring, whispering.

“For cryin’ out loud, Daniel. What are you doing?” Jack managed to get the words out somehow.

Daniel turned toward Jack. “What else can I do, Jack? If I can help Sam, I have to do it.” Jack stared into the other man’s frightened, but determined eyes. Then he turned to Carter, who was looking at Daniel like she had never seen him before. Her face was stained with tears. Jack laid his hand on Daniel’s shoulder and squeezed strongly. He was right. And he had thought of it first. Jack’s job was to protect his team, but he hadn’t thought of this. They waited for their answer.

It wasn’t long in coming. The man came forward again, smiling his sickening smile. “It is agreed that you may take the woman’s place, as long as you take the woman’s part. You shall receive both of the others inside your body.” Cries of delight erupted from the audience.

Sam had risen from the bed, and was standing facing Daniel. She was shaking from head to toe. She gripped his arm, and shook her head. “Don’t do this, Daniel. Don’t do this for me!”

Daniel took both of Sam’s hands in his, and told her, “It’s all right. I want to do this. It’s why I went first.” Sam’s eyes widened. He had planned this from the beginning. It was no chivalric impulse, but a carefully planned decision. But how could she let him…? “Don’t worry about me, Sam. I’ll be fine.”

Jack could see Carter wavering. He spoke up. “It’s settled, Major. Teal’c?” He jerked his head towards Carter, and Teal’c came forward and took her arm, leading her away towards the solid wall. Leaving Jack and Daniel alone at the front of the cell, facing the overjoyed crowd, and the smirking asshole that Jack planned to kill first, given half a chance.

Daniel met Jack’s eyes and spoke a single word. “Lube?” Then he sank down on the edge of the bed as though his legs would no longer hold him upright.

Jack tightened his lips, and, walking up to the transparent wall, pinned the officious man with an intimidating glare. “We’re going to need some sort of lubricant.”

The man took two steps back before replying, “There is a drawer at the foot of the pedestal that holds what you require.” He returned quickly to his seat, glad to get away from the angry alien, regardless of the wall between them.

Jack turned to the bed, where Daniel sat staring at the floor, hands loosely clasped between his knees. Jack hesitated, then moved to the foot of the pedestal and ran his hand over it, searching for the catch that would release the drawer. He found it quickly, and stared in shock at the contents of the open drawer. SG-1 might actually be getting off easy. He didn’t want to think about what might have been asked of them. He found a jar, opened it, sniffed the contents and felt the texture of the substance. This had to be it. He pushed the drawer closed, and tried to erase the memory of its contents from his mind. He’d been around the block more than a few times, but this collection of …toys, and the thought of them in connection with his team….

He straightened up and moved to the side of the bed, sitting beside Daniel. He clutched the jar of lube nervously in one hand, and laid the other hand on Daniel’s knee. Daniel looked at him sadly. The audience was clapping rhythmically. He struggled to block them out. Daniel needed him now.

Daniel laid a hand over Jack’s as it rested on his knee. He fixed his gaze in the general vicinity of Jack’s collarbone, and said, “I need you to help me, Jack. Teal’c is really big, and I need to be open and relaxed, or he’ll hurt me no matter how hard he tries not to.” Daniel visibly gulped, and looked up into Jack’s pained eyes. “I trust you,” Daniel whispered.

Jack felt like a hand had reached into his chest and was squeezing his heart. He cleared his throat. “It’ll be okay, Daniel,” he said softly. “I’ll use lots of lube and go really slow. We can do this. Piece of cake.” Daniel looked into his eyes, and slowly smiled. It wasn’t a happy smile, but it made Jack feel ten feet tall. He smiled back. Daniel squeezed his hand, and shifted around to lie down on the bed. Jack knelt beside him, and opened the jar of lube. Scooping some out, he began to coat his lax penis with the slippery substance. As he stroked, he began, almost imperceptibly, to harden and lengthen. Raising his eyes, he saw Daniel watching him with a degree of fascination. Jack’s hand faltered, and Daniel’s eyes flew guiltily to meet his. Daniel opened his mouth to speak, but Jack silenced him by laying a clean finger across his lips. “S’okay, Danny.” He felt Daniel’s warm breath gust against his finger before he removed it.

Jack resumed stroking himself. Daniel watched for a few seconds longer, and then reached out for the jar of lube. He opened it up and dipped his hand inside, causing Jack to say, “I can do that, you know.”

Daniel stared at him with startled eyes, and then blushingly replied, “Uh, no, thanks, I’d rather do it myself, I think.” Then he paused as a thought obviously occurred to him. “Unless you, uh, need to do it?” Daniel looked at Jack anxiously. “I mean, you should do whatever you need to do, to get through this.”

Jack smiled at him reassuringly. “No, you go ahead. You’ll be more comfortable that way.”

Daniel looked at his shiny fingers, and slowly said, “But seriously, Jack, I want you to know that it’s okay, whatever you need to do, just do it.” A small smile, and he added, “Well, maybe you’d better tell me first. No, on second thought….”

“Daniel. Stop thinking. That’s an order.”

“Yes, sir,” Daniel said. He looked like he might say more, but closed his mouth and reached around behind himself with his lubricated fingers. Jack felt his arousal increase. He knew where those fingers were touching, what they were doing. He cupped his free hand around the back of Daniel’s knee, not moving it, just establishing a connection. Daniel shifted position, biting his lip. Adding another finger, Jack guessed.

Daniel’s face was flushed, and his lips were slightly parted. Jack slid his hand up the back of Daniel’s leg until it rested on the curve of his buttock. Daniel said, “I’m ready,” in a small voice, and removed his own hand, turning over onto his stomach. In a small part of his mind, Jack could hear the crowd reactions, but they were unimportant now. He was focused entirely on the task at hand. He mustn’t hurt or frighten Daniel. Daniel trusted him. Needed him.

Jack climbed over Daniel and prepared to enter him, centering himself carefully, then pushing forward slowly. He felt Daniel’s opening give way, felt himself sliding inside. Daniel gasped, and moved violently as though instinctively trying to get away. Jack held onto his hips, and said desperately, “It’s only me.” Daniel lowered his body back onto the bed, shaking. Jack stroked his back, and wanted to weep for what he was being forced to do to his friend.

Daniel’s body lost some of its tenseness after a few moments of Jack’s soothing touches. “I’m okay now, Jack,” he promised.

“I know you are,” Jack said, “it’s a piece of cake, remember?” Daniel nodded his head, and actually laughed slightly. “I’m going to start moving again, Danny. I won’t go any deeper yet.” Daniel nodded again, and Jack began to rock his hips slightly, continuing to enter and stretch the same few inches over and over. He listened intently to the sounds that Daniel was making. It didn’t sound like he was frightened or in pain. And his opening was relaxing, letting Jack inside more easily with each stroke.

“Okay, I’m going to pull all the way out and then go deeper.”

“Are you going all the way in?” Daniel asked nervously.

“Not on the first stroke. Don’t worry, Danny, just keep breathing and try to stay relaxed.” Jack swallowed, and whispered, “I’m going to take really good care of you.” To his astonishment, he could literally feel Daniel go limp beneath him, as though he had spoken the magic words.

Jack slowly pulled out of the other man’s body completely, centered himself carefully again, and pushed inward with a stronger thrust of his hips than before. Daniel gasped out a strangled, “Oh, God!” but remained still. Jack repeated his thrust, and Daniel moaned loudly. Jack stopped moving and, dipping his head, kissed Daniel’s spine. Daniel lay panting loudly beneath his friend’s body. He turned his head to the side and told Jack, “I’m all right, you’re not hurting me. You can keep going.” His voice was unrecognizable to Jack’s ears. Jack kissed his spine again, and drove his hips forward, sliding even further inside Daniel.

Daniel’s moans were almost continuous now, and Jack’s hips flew back and forth, faster and faster. His sweat was dripping down onto Daniel’s back. Each stroke buried him completely inside the other man. His climax was very close. He reached forward and covered Daniel’s hand where it lay on the bed, interlocking their fingers. He could see that Daniel’s eyes were shut, and his mouth open. As he stared, Daniel moaned through his open mouth. The erotic sight drove Jack over the edge, erupting inside Daniel, joining his own moans to Daniel’s. He collapsed onto his friend’s back, still spurting his seed deep within the trembling body.

The roaring in Jack’s ears faded, and he could hear the applause, laughter and cheers of the audience. He had blocked them out so successfully, that he was shocked to hear them now. Only seconds ago, he had felt wonderful, sated and relaxed. Now he felt sickened by what he had just done. Daniel. He hurriedly raised his weight up from his friend’s body, and warned him hoarsely, “I’m going to pull out. It’s going to hurt.” He wanted nothing more than to be out of Daniel, and far away from him. But he made the effort to remove himself as gently as he could. Daniel jerked, and Jack could see him grimace slightly. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m okay.”

“I’m so sorry.” The words poured out of Jack.

Daniel’s shoulders twisted as he brought his head around, so he could see Jack. “Don’t be. You did everything I asked of you. I’m open and relaxed….”

“How can you be?” Jack burst out, disbelievingly.

Daniel rolled onto his hip, looked calmly into Jack’s agonized eyes, and said simply, “I came again.”

Jack looked downward, and could see the evidence on the bed that showed Daniel was telling him the truth. He shook his head, not understanding. It couldn’t be possible.

He felt a touch on his hand, and looked up into Daniel’s kind eyes. “Thank you, Jack. I’m ready for Teal’c now, if you’d send him over, please?”

Jack nodded jerkily, speechless. He rose from the bed, and walked to where Teal’c sat with his arm around Carter’s shoulders. The two men’s eyes met, and Teal’c stood up and walked to where Daniel lay waiting. Jack sat down next to Carter, and reached for her hand. He held it tightly, never looking at her, as they both listened to the two men on the bed behind them. The soft rumble of Teal’c’s voice, the slippery sound of lubricant being applied, Daniel’s groans as Teal’c breached his body. Then Daniel was silent, except for his panting breaths. And Teal’c was quiet as well, until just near the end, when his breathing became loud and harsh.

Then it was over. Daniel made a faint sobbing sound as Teal’c pulled out of his body, almost unheard over the shouts of the crowd. But Jack heard it, because Jack was listening for it.

~~

After The Mission

Daniel’s Office

Daniel sat in his office, his gaze wandering aimlessly around the room. He had returned from his trip to Jack’s office about half an hour ago, and had accomplished absolutely nothing since then. Big surprise there. So, obviously, not thinking about it wasn’t helping anything. He let himself remember what had sent him to Jack’s office in the first place, the absolutely certainty he had felt. He knew he wasn’t wrong. He still felt it just as strongly, in spite of what Jack had said.

It may have been his first time with a man, but he knew when someone was making love to him, rather than just having sex. He remembered Jack’s gentleness, the throb in his voice, the tender touches. Teal’c had been careful and respectful. Jack had been drowning in a wave of emotions, and Daniel had been swept along with him.

And afterwards, when Jack had been so sure that he must have hurt or disgusted Daniel. Daniel had been shocked when he climaxed while Jack was inside him. So soon after being with Sam, and under such bizarre circumstances, it just seemed so unlikely. But Jack’s shock had been far greater, to see evidence that Daniel had actually enjoyed what they had done.

And he must have enjoyed it, right? Physically?

But he knew it was more than that. When Jack told him that he was going to take really good care of him, Daniel’s heart had turned over in his chest. The way Jack said it, the way he proceeded to show it. Daniel had never felt more cared for in his entire life.

When it was over, when Jack lay heavily against his back, two hearts pounding, two sets of lungs panting for oxygen, Daniel had known.

This changes everything.

Except that Jack was denying it. Denying everything. Denying Daniel.

And Daniel felt bruised.

He had never allowed himself to think too much about what he had expected or hoped for when he went to confront Jack in his office. He still didn’t want to think about that.

He had loved Jack as a friend for a very long time. But these new feelings were confusing. Actually, maybe that explained what he had expected and hoped for when he went to Jack. He wanted Jack to take away his confusion.

Instead he got anger and denial. Dishonesty. Surely he deserved better?

Was Jack afraid that Daniel was going to make demands? Daniel understood Jack’s position as a military officer. He would respect any decision Jack made for the sake of his career, because he knew how much the Air Force meant to his friend. And who was to say that Daniel himself wanted to pursue any kind of a ….relationship? So why did he feel like Jack had rejected him?

Daniel shook his head sadly. He wished they could have at least talked about it. But no, Jack said it was time to move on, and Daniel would have to do that.

But things could never be the same. This changed everything.

~~

One Week Later

Hammond’s Office

General Hammond sat in his office waiting for Colonel O’Neill to arrive for their meeting to discuss the status of SG-1. Hammond was worried about his flagship team, and had been ever since the incoming wormhole had engaged a week ago, several hours ahead of schedule. The team that come through that wormhole had been far too quiet, in evident shock. O’Neill had sent Major Carter and Dr. Jackson promptly to the infirmary, under Teal’c’s escort, then turned dull eyes to Hammond and asked to see him in his office.

Hammond had been greatly disturbed by O’Neill’s report. All the men and women under his command were important to him, but he knew SG-1 the best. He deeply regretted what they had gone through. And he foresaw problems ahead.

Jack had been understandably anxious to get to the infirmary, so their initial debriefing had been short. Later, after the entire team had been cleared medically, Hammond had told Jack that he was standing SG-1 down for a week. But Jack hadn’t thought that idea was a good one. It was Friday, and he wanted them to finish out the day, and just take the weekend off as usual. Hammond had compromised with a three-day weekend, and no off-world trips for at least two weeks.

During the last few days, Hammond had made a point of touching base with each member of SG-1, going to where they were working rather than calling them to his office. Teal’c was hard to read, but seemed to be coping well. He had been able to speak openly about the events on PX7-459. So had Major Carter, to his relief. She had made a point of praising Dr. Jackson’s self-sacrifice on her behalf. Daniel himself had struck Hammond as being deeply unhappy and constrained in his speaking. And Jack, whom Hammond spoke to on a regular basis, was definitely not himself.

A knock came on his open door, and Colonel O’Neill entered the room. “Close the door, and sit down, Colonel,” Hammond said. After Jack had complied, Hammond continued, “I want your assessment of where your team stands at this moment..”

Jack grimaced, and answered, “Teal’c I think is doing pretty good. Carter is doing better than I would have thought. She and Daniel seem to be relating well, no problems there that I can see. Daniel… not so hot, sir. I mean, it stands to reason, doesn’t it? But I saw him and Teal’c grabbing lunch together today, so that’s a healthy sign.”

“And yourself, Colonel?” Hammond asked, watching his second-in-command with an eagle eye.

There was a long hesitation, before Jack answered, “I’m struggling, sir.”

“I know you are, son.” Jack looked at Hammond with wide eyes. George smiled inwardly. “And I tend to agree with your assessment of your team.” He hesitated, then continued, “I know you are not going to like this, Jack, but I think it’s time to utilize the Mental Health services that are available to you. Speaking to a professional…..”

“Sir, I really don’t think that’s what any of us need right now!” Jack protested.

“Jack, basically you were all victims of sexual assault. Protocol in such circumstances calls for….”

“No, we weren’t!” Jack insisted loudly. “Sir.” He and Hammond looked at each other for a moment, then Jack said more quietly, “We were manipulated and humiliated, but….we took care of each other. It was nothing even close to sexual assault. I know the others would say the same thing.”

“I accept what you’re saying, Colonel, but the psychological effects may be similar enough to warrant…”

“No, sir. Please. It would only make things worse, I’m sure of it.” Jack pleaded.

Hammond stared at Jack, thinking carefully. Then he nodded decisively. “All right, Jack. I won’t order it. At this time,” he said pointedly. He leaned forward across his desk. “But, I need to see some improvement. Specifically, you and Dr. Jackson concern me. Taken both individually, and as a unit. You follow me, Colonel?”

Jack blinked at him, opened and shut his mouth, and finally replied, “It’s complicated, sir.”

“I suggest you find a way to un-complicate it, Colonel. Starting this weekend.”

“Yessir.”

~~

Jack’s Office

Jack sat at his desk, head in hands. He had been ordered to work things out with Daniel. Oh, in a round-about way, but it was clear enough. And as tense as the idea made him, it was a whole lot better than the idea of talking to a shrink about what was going on. He raised his head and stared sightlessly across the room. Shrinks asked about your dreams….

Jack hadn’t been sleeping well. He was afraid of what he might dream, each time he closed his eyes. Last night had been one of the worst.

He had been on top of Daniel, holding down his naked squirming body. Laughing at the other man’s pleas. Rubbing, pressing against Daniel. Panting lustfully into his frightened face. Shooting hot ribbons of sperm between their bellies.

Jack had woken up shaking, with a sticky mess in his shorts. Stripping them off, tossing them angrily into the hamper, he had rushed into the shower to wash away the evidence of what a sick bastard he was. Afterwards, clean and more awake, he knew that he wasn’t that person. He would never treat Daniel, or anyone else that way. It was a quarter to four. He didn’t go back to bed. 

I can’t go on this way.

~~

Daniel’s Office

Daniel was also having trouble sleeping. He didn’t want the wet dreams, but he dreaded the dreams that left him with an aching heart. The worst one had been the one where everything was absolutely wonderful. He and Jack were together, the lovemaking was perfect, and Jack didn’t leave, like he did in the other dreams. He held Daniel, told him he loved him, kissed him. When Daniel woke up from that dream, he burst into tears, and then sat on the side of the bed blowing his nose, and shaking his head in disbelief. What the hell was wrong with him?

Daniel’s eyes were burning as he worked on his current translation assignment. This lack of sleep was beginning to wear him down, physically as well as mentally and emotionally. He opened his desk drawer, to search for the bottle of artificial tears he kept there. As he reached into the drawer, his phone rang. He picked it up distractedly. “Dr. Jackson.”

“Hey.”

“Oh. Jack. Hey.” Daniel sat upright in his chair, and slid the desk drawer closed. “What can I do for you?”

There was a slight pause,. which made Daniel frown. He opened his mouth to speak, but Jack’s voice interrupted him. “I wondered if you were doing anything tonight.”

Daniel’s mouth dropped further open, and his gaze rose to the ceiling. He decided to be honest. “Nope.”

‘Okay if I come over? “ Daniel bit his lip. “I’ll bring Chinese.” Daniel opened his mouth. “All your favorites.” Daniel laughed. “Okay, then?” Jack’s voice was warmer now.

“Okay,” Daniel answered quickly, before he could change his mind.

“Around seven?”

“Yeah, fine.”

‘Okay, see ya then.”

“Bye.” Daniel hung up the phone, idly noting that his hand was shaking. And then he noticed that he was smiling.

He didn’t know what Jack wanted. But he wasn’t going to worry about it. This had to be a step in the right direction.

~~

That Night

Daniel’s Place

Jack arrived promptly at seven o’clock, with the promised Chinese food, and Chinese beer as a bonus. He rang the buzzer and waited nervously. A smiling Daniel opened the door, and Jack’s apprehension evaporated. So far, so good.

They went into the kitchen, where Daniel had plates, napkins and silverware ready. And beer glasses. Jack raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You gone psychic on me, Daniel?”

“What?”

Jack pulled two beer bottles out of the six-pack and put one pointedly in front of each glass, staring at Daniel. Daniel frowned, and said, “Huh.”

“Well, don’t worry about it. I guess if you were really psychic you would have a bottle opener out, too.”

Daniel raised his forefinger, and turned away to search through his kitchen drawers for the opener. Jack shook his head, and began opening up the cartons of food.

After loading up their plates with an outrageous amount of food, and filling their glasses, the two men moved into the living room, and settled in on the couch in front of the TV. Jack held out his hand for the remote, and paged through the on-screen program guide, using his free hand to dip his egg roll into the duck sauce, and bring it to his mouth. Daniel was already digging into his plate of food as well. After only a few muffled disagreements, they chose a movie both had seen and enjoyed before. It was already half over, but that didn’t matter.

Jack made a quick run to the kitchen during the movie to grab two more beers, but aside from that they sat contentedly side-by-side on the couch, watching and eating their fill. When the movie ended, they went back into the kitchen to load their dirty dishes into the dishwasher, and put away the leftover food. Jack opened up the last two bottles of beer and poured them slowly, with a slight frown on his face. Here it comes, Daniel thought. Jack looked up from his task, and seeing the look on Daniel’s face, smiled at him ruefully. He handed Daniel one of the glasses, and then holding up his own glass, said, “To friendship.” Daniel smiled faintly, raised his glass, and nodded. The two men drank.

Then Jack raised his eyebrows and jerked his head towards the living room. Daniel lowered his eyes to the floor, and led the way out of the kitchen. He sat down on the sofa again, but Jack sat down on the coffee table, facing him, their knees almost touching. Daniel stared down at his hands, and waited for Jack to say something. Anything.

“I have to start by telling you something, Daniel. I don’t want you finding out about it later, and thinking that I kept it from you for some reason.” Daniel looked at Jack in confusion. Jack licked his lips and continued, “Hammond more or less ordered me today to get things straightened out with you. But I’m here because I want that more than anything,” he insisted. “Only the timing changed. I would have gotten around to it eventually.” He looked at Daniel, trying to figure out how he was taking it.

Daniel blinked at him and shrugged. “Fine.” But he didn’t sound fine. Jack frowned and shifted uncomfortably on the coffee table.

“If he doesn‘t see visible progress by next week, he‘s going to order us to talk to Mental Health. He thinks that a professional…”

“No!” Daniel looked horrified at the very idea.

“I knew you’d feel that way. I told him it was a bad idea.”

“It’s a very bad idea. I won’t do it.”

Jack laid a hand on Daniel’s knee. “Calm down, Daniel. It won’t come to that, if you and I can just work through things on our own. Anyway, I’m willing to try, if you are.”

Daniel was nodding his head. “That’s all I ever wanted.” There was no accusation in his tone, but Jack felt stung anyway, remembering how he had acted when Daniel came to his office.

“Yeah, sorry, that was my fault entirely. It was just all too recent, I wasn’t coping at all well.” Jack took a deep breath and looked his friend squarely in the eye. “I treated you very badly, Daniel, and I apologize for that.” Daniel just looked at him silently. Crap! Jack spread his hands and looked at Daniel helplessly. “What do you need to hear me say?”

Daniel hesitated, then said, “I accept your apology.” But he didn’t look at Jack when he said it, staring at his hands again. Jack could feel his supper sitting like a cold lump in the pit of his stomach. This wasn’t working.

“Daniel, I’m obviously going about this all wrong somehow. I want to make things right. Help me do that?” Jack pleaded. Daniel looked up at him, examining his face. “Where do I need to start?”

Daniel’s reply was so low that Jack almost couldn’t hear him. “You could try starting with honesty.” It was like a blow to Jack’s heart. And he knew that nothing else would work, now. He hung his head. Daniel watched him with a painful lump in his throat. “It’s okay, Jack. I shouldn’t have said that. It was unkind, and I’m sorry.”

Jack could only stare at him in amazement. “Danny…” How could he keep denying this wonderful man the truth? How could he even consider causing him more pain?

“It’s okay, Jack,” Daniel repeated softly.

“Danny, you were right.” Jack forced the words out. Daniel stared at him questioningly. “In my office. You were right. I lied to you.”

Daniel leaned forward. “Why?” His intent eyes reproached Jack. “Why did you feel that you had to lie about it?” He sat back again. “That really hurt, Jack.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry I hurt you. Sorry I lied to you.” He stopped, taken aback at the change in Daniel’s expression. He hadn’t realized just how badly Daniel had needed to hear those words from him. “Truly sorry,” he finished on a whisper.

Daniel touched his leg, and said simply, “Okay.”

The two men sat and smiled at each other faintly for a minute. Then Daniel said, “But you haven’t told me why.”

Jack scratched his head. “I’m not sure I can even answer that, Daniel. I guess I just didn’t want you to know, but I really can’t say why.”

Daniel said very softly, “But I did know, Jack.”

Jack couldn’t help it. He blushed. “You could really tell, huh?”

Daniel smiled tenderly. “Yes, Jack, I could tell.” A week ago Daniel had been confused about his feelings for this man, but that was no longer the case. Should he tell Jack? They were being honest now, weren’t they?

Suddenly Jack shot to his feet, and moved across the room. Daniel froze. Had Jack sensed something? Seen something in his face?

Jack spoke rapidly. “It just seemed like an awful lot to lay on you, ya know? I mean you had just been through something pretty….I mean you had never been with a man before, and…” Jack swallowed and waved a hand through the air. “You were forced to have sex with me, it just seemed wrong to force my feelings on you, too.”

Jack walked back over to Daniel and sat down on the coffee table once more. “And I figured you were probably pretty confused about stuff….”

“What gave you your first clue?” Daniel asked lightly. Jack looked at him in surprise. “Yes, I was confused. You were certainly right about that. I’m getting over it, though. You know, the whole questioning my sexual orientation thing.”

“Daniel, Daniel, no. No,” Jack said, shaking his head forcefully. “It was never about you. You’re the same man you always were, nothing’s changed.”

“You’re wrong, Jack,” Daniel said with a smile, “everything’s changed. Everything.”

Jack stared at him, open-mouthed, then shook his head again. “I think you’re still confused, Danny.” Jack looked again at the expression on Daniel’s face, the light in his eyes. “Or else I am,” he faltered.

Daniel’s smile grew.

Jack looked at him thoughtfully. “You liked the sex, huh?” Daniel nodded. “So you’ve decided you must be gay, right?” Daniel’s lips parted in a grin. Jack shook his head. “And since I was your first, you think that we must have something special going on.”

“Don’t you?” Daniel interrupted.

“We’ve already covered my feelings,” Jack snapped. “Which, incidentally, I think are influencing yours.”

“Well, of course they are,” Daniel stated, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“See? You’re not thinking about this clearly, Danny.”

Daniel gazed into his soon-to-be lover’s eyes. “Knowing that you love me, just makes me love you all the more,” he explained simply.

Jack stared at Daniel, momentarily struck speechless. Then, “What?” he asked helplessly.

Daniel reached out and took both of Jack’s warm hands in his. “Come sit here on the couch with me, and I’ll explain it all to you,” he invited huskily. Jack’s grip tightened.

“You sure you want to do that?” Jack was still uncertain, still trying to give Daniel a way out.

Shining blue eyes met worried brown ones. Daniel tugged hard on Jack’s hands. Jack let him.

~~

The Next Morning

Daniel’s Bedroom

“Oh, God! Jack!!”

Jack wrapped his arms tighter around Daniel. “Come, come inside me,” he panted. Daniel gave one last powerful thrust, and filled Jack with his warm fluid, groaning out his release. Then he collapsed onto Jack’s chest, his ear pressed to his lover’s heart. The strong heartbeats calmed him, as did Jack’s hands stroking his sweat-slick back. He was still inside Jack’s body. It was unbelievable, incredible. The whole night had been incredible. He laid quietly in Jack’s embrace, basking in the afterglow, until inevitably his erection softened to the point that it slipped out of Jack, breaking the intimate connection they had been sharing. Daniel sighed sadly, and rolled off of his friend.

Jack rose up on one elbow and loomed over Daniel, stroking his hair back from his damp forehead. He bent his head and claimed Daniel’s lips in a tender kiss, slipping his tongue gently inside his lover’s mouth and savoring this new taste that he had already come to enjoy so much. Daniel’s lips clung to his, but his arms laid limp by his sides on the bed. “Worn out, Danny?” Jack teased. Daniel’s eyes were half closed. They had both slept well, but not nearly long enough. Jack was already looking forward to naptime, which would probably follow close on the heels of breakfast.

“How did you like it on top, Daniel?” Jack wanted to know.

Daniel smiled. “It was great.”

“Did you like it better than the other way around?”

Daniel shook his head.

Jack smiled, and nuzzled the side of Daniel’s neck. “Good,” he said with such satisfaction that Daniel could hear it in his voice. Daniel smiled secretly, and tilted his head back, giving Jack better access to his throat.

Suddenly, Daniel realized something. “You know, Jack, you never answered my original question.”

“Hmmm?”

“I was wondering how long you’ve been in love with me, remember?”

Jack removed his lips from the base of Daniel’s throat to stare at his lover in disbelief. “You’re interrupting me now, to ask me that?”

Daniel stared at him with wide eyes. “Um, no, of course not. You can get back to me on that later, right?”

“So I should just go back to what I was doing before I was so rudely interrupted?” Jack inquired sarcastically.

“Yes, please,” Daniel said with a hopeful little smile.

Jack began to lower his head to Daniel’s neck again, and then stopped.

“What’s wrong?” Daniel asked.

“I was just wondering something myself,” Jack replied.

“What’s that?”

“I wonder if this is what Hammond had in mind when he ordered me to work things out with you?”

And Jack placed his lips over the base of Daniel’s throat, and thoroughly enjoyed the vibrating sensation caused by his lover’s snorts of laughter.

THE END

Comments

[adafrog.livejournal.com]

Wow, very powerful. Thanks.

[sid]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[green-grrl.livejournal.com]

Oh, I've read this one before -- it's been a long time. I love this one! Classic AMTDI. :-)

[sid]

Classic AMTDI and Early Sid - I'd only been writing for two months at this point. This was my first story that wasn't pure p0rn!

[green-grrl.livejournal.com]

Really? Cool!! Nicely done!

[shara50.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, great work.

[sid]

Thanks very much! This one holds a warm place in my heart. :-)

[jai-takes-over.livejournal.com]

Hot AND a great first time fic. HUh. You, m'dear, are amazing. I may ahve to stalk you and shower you with gifts of smut. (If I could draw/write smut. Damn. There goes that plan.) This was absolutely great, I hafta say. *thumbsup* Cheers!

[sid]

*blushes* Bless your heart! It's the thought that counts. chocolate would be an acceptable substitute for smut, don't you think?

[jai-takes-over.livejournal.com]

*grins*

[spacemonkeyphd2.livejournal.com]

Aaawwww this is so sweet, and HAAWWWWTT!!! Hammond can be o sneaky at times, he know's his boys so well. ;)

As ever Sid your work is wonderful, can't wait to read more!!

[sid]

Thank you, dear! George certainly seemed to be aware of the undercurrents, didn't he?

;-)

[amnellwyvern.livejournal.com]

Mmmmmmm, I love it when aliens make them do it.

[sid]

God bless those aliens! *g*

[morgan-d.livejournal.com]

Nothing like a good AMTDI to end the day. Now I'm sure I'll be having the nicest dreams. Thank you.

[sid]

You're entirely welcome! :-)

There really is nothing like a AMTDI!

[msbeata.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you thought of this fic and posted it to your LJ.

This was a button pusher - first time, aliens made them do it, naked team, freak out, and make up sex.

Wheeeee!

[sid]

You have a naked team button? :-O

I noticed a couple of times yesterday that I posted a comment to someone's week-and-a-half old story right after you did, so we must both be catching up on our reading! :-D

Glad you liked this one!

[taselby.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is great! Classic AMUDI. Yay!

Thank you.

[sid]

Hey, glad you liked it! :-)

[ph290.livejournal.com]

Somewhat later :-)
I must agree with the rest of you: this was great!

[sid]

Hey, glad you enjoyed it! :-)