'Joy in the Morning', J/D drabble, rated PG

[sid]

Here's a little quiet thing that wouldn't let me sleep until it was written:

 

JOY IN THE MORNING

 

It’s a fine line between ‘unconscious’ and ‘asleep’, but Daniel can see when Jack crosses it, his face changing as though a veil has been lifted. A glance at his teammates shows Daniel that Sam’s still fretting and Teal’c’s still hovering grimly.

 

They don’t see the change. But Daniel knows. All night long, looking at Jack has made him feel sick inside. Now what he sees makes him feel peaceful.

 

They can’t see. They’ve never lain awake next to Jack, aching with love, sated with love, watching him as he slumbers.

 

Daniel calls his name and Jack’s eyes slowly open.