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A big thank you to Beth (
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A SEASON EIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROL
Past:
Real camels for one, a real infant to adore for the other.
Future:
Daniel turned slowly in a circle. He recognized this place from MALP images, although the wreaths and colored lights were new. Atlantis. He’d finally come… his thrill faded. Emptiness filled him.
Jack surveyed the party. Had to be Washington, judging by the amount of brass and the high levels of insincerity. He glimpsed himself in a mirror: shiny new stars and a trapped expression.
Present:
He sat up, swaying, blinking. The phone rang. No Caller ID was necessary. He reached for a new and better future.
HEARTH
Daniel stepped out of the cabin’s bedroom. “I feel ridiculous.”
Jack twisted around. “Do they fit?”
Daniel tugged experimentally. “I guess.”
“C’mere.”
Daniel padded to the couch and sank down into the cushions.
Jack threw an arm around him. “Comfy?”
“Mmm.”
“Perfect for lounging by the fire on a snowy night?”
Daniel sighed. “They’re absolutely perfect in every way. Is that what you want to hear?”
“They’re absolutely perfect in one way,” Jack corrected.
“Oh?”
Jack ran his hand down Daniel’s back. “Good old-fashioned trap-door technology,” he said, and watched with delight as Daniel flushed as red as his longjohns.
HOLD FAST TO DREAMS
Half asleep and more, Daniel leans against the wall, eyes closed as he pisses into the toilet, vaguely hoping that he’s not dreaming, not soaking the sheets in reality. He doesn’t flush; he might wake himself up.
Should have turned off the computer and gone to bed three hours ago.
He opens his eyes enough to find his way to the bed. Climbs in, pulling the covers up. He sinks into the pillow and into sleep.
Warm weight presses against his back, a voice murmurs, "'bout time,” and Daniel knows he’s still not dreaming.
Or the voice would be Jack’s.