Birthday Revelations
by Gatin' Gauntlett
E-MAIL: Beth_supersaint@yahoo.com
STATUS: Complete
RATING: PG-13
CATEGORY: Daniel/Janet, Romance
SEASON/SEQUEL: After FiaD but before RoP, about season 4 then!
SPOILERS: Cassie's in it
FEEDBACK: Yes please- do I need to beg?
DISCLAIMER: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. We have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright
infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the
property of the authors. Not to be archived without permission of the authors.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This is my first proper fic so feedback is vital! Just be gentle! ;)Thanks to my beta Becca!
Daniel leaned back sighing in his chair; he’d finally
finished cataloguing the artefacts that SG-6 had
brought back from their mission last week. Downing the
last of his coffee, he grabbed his jacket and headed
out the door of his lab. His watch read 7:15pm as he
left the base at Cheyenne Mountain. Daniel smiled,
Janet’s shift didn’t end until 7:45pm tonight; he had
just enough time to put his plan into place.
After driving through the final checkpoint, Daniel
took his cell phone from his shirt pocket and dialled
Janet’s house.
*Ring Ring*
*Ring Ring*
‘Hello?’
‘Hey Cass! It’s D…’
‘Daniel, how ya doin’?’ asked Cassie, Janet’s adopted
daughter. ‘I’m afraid Mom’s not here, she’s still at
work; I’ll pass a message on though if you like.’
‘No! No, that’s alright.’ Daniel replied quickly. ‘ In
fact, I rang to ask you a favour.’
‘Me?’
‘Yeh, actually I’m on my way home from work, is it
alright if I pop to yours first, I promise I’ll
explain every thing then.’
‘Sure,’ Cassie replied. Daniel could almost see her
shrugging across the phone line.
‘I’ll see you in about half an hour okay?’
‘Kay,’ came the reply as she hang up. Starring at the
phone she wondered aloud, ‘what the heck was that
about?’ Oh well, if Daniel wanted a favour she’d
certainly try to help him, especially seeing that she
had a paper on Ancient Egypt due in tomorrow, which
she could certainly do with assistance on.
><><><><><><><><><><><>
Daniel walked up the stairs leading to Janet’s door,
telling himself to stop being nervous, it’s only
Cassie for crying out loud! As his hand reached out to
knock on the door, it was suddenly swung open.
‘Hey Daniel, what’s up?’ Cassie asked gesturing him
inside.
*Just take a deep breath*, he told himself as he
entered, *it’s not too late to back out, just make up
an excuse and leave…No! Just do it you coward, it’s
Janet’s birthday in two days it’s a perfect
opportunity.* Realising that Cassie was starting to
stare at him strangely, he cleared his throat a
little, ‘Hey Cass’.
‘So…you mentioned something about a favour’ Cassie
prompted, as she lead him into the living room.
Daniel took a deep breath. *This is it Jackson, after
this, there’s no going back* Reaching into the inside
of his jacket, he produced a small, paper wrapped box,
complete with a white envelope.
‘What’s that?’ Cassie asked moving closer to get a
better look; as she did so, she spotted Janet’s name
on the envelope. ‘That for Mom’s birthday? I thought
you guys had already got her a present?’ She watched
in mild amusement as Daniel’s cheeks started to turn
red; was he blushing?
‘Ah, well, um yes we did, as SG-1, but you see this
one’s from me,’ Daniel hurriedly explained.
Cassie looked at the present in confusion ‘Oh. Okay…’
she replied slowly.
Seeing the look on her face, Daniel decided he’d
better hurry and clarify himself before he completely
embarrassed himself. ‘Ah well as you probably know
SG-1 is on a mission when it’s your mum’s birthday and
so I was kinda hoping that you’d give it to her for
me. After the party though, ah privately if um that’s
okay?’ he asked looking hopefully at her, willing her
to understand.
‘Sure. Okay then’. She still looked slightly unsure,
but she seemed to accept his explanation without
question, for that Daniel was grateful.
Daniel let out a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been
holding. ‘Thanks Cass, I owe you big time’
‘Well,’ Cassie said eying Daniel hopefully. ‘If you’re
not in a hurry, could you read my history essay? It’s
on ancient Egypt, I just want to check if what I’ve
written is right, and you probably know more than my
teacher, so…’ Innocently she looked at him through her
eyelashes.
Daniel looked down at her and grinned, how could he
say no to that puppy dog look? He wondered briefly if
she’d been taking secret lessons from him, after all
Jack always said that he’d mastered that look long
ago. ‘Of course I’ll look it over for you’ He was
rewarded with a beaming smile.
‘It’s just upstairs, I’ll go and get it.’ She turned
and headed towards the steps leading to the next
floor; she took the present with her to place in the
safety of her bedroom, ‘Make yourself at home; help
yourself to coffee or something’, she called over her
shoulder in Daniel’s vague direction.
As her footsteps were heard above him he wandered into
the kitchen; coffee sounded like a great idea. He
started making himself a cup, when he heard a car pull
into the driveway. ‘Mum’s home!’ Cassie shouted from
upstairs, stating the obvious. *Calm down, Jackson,*
he told himself, as he took a deep breath *Janet
doesn’t know about the present and Cassie won’t tell
her –will she? * Daniel started panicking; he had told
her to keep it a secret, hadn’t he?
Cassie bounded down the stairs, essay in-hand, at the
same moment the door was opened.
<><><<<><><><><><><><>
‘Cass, whose car is that in the driveway?’ Janet
asked, puzzled as she hung her coat up and slipped off
her shoes.
‘Ahh that would be mine,’ a voice called from the
kitchen, making Janet jump. A moment later Daniel
emerged from the doorway with a mug of steaming
coffee. He was wearing lightly coloured slacks, with a
blue jumper that accented the colour of his eyes.
Forcing herself to stop drooling she asked, ‘Daniel?
What are you doing here?’ The confusion was evident in
her voice. ‘Is there something I can help you with?’
She asked.
‘No, he came to see me’ Cassie replied sweetly,
passing her mother to sit on the sofa, placing her
essay onto the table.
‘You?’ Janet looked suspiciously over at Daniel; she
inwardly smiled. *He looks like a deer caught in
headlights,* Janet thought. *No* she corrected herself
*Make that a cute dear caught in headlights!*
Daniel panicked and jumped in quickly before Cassie
could reply. ‘I promised Cassie I’d help her with her
history paper.’ He smiled at Janet nervously and
shrugged his shoulders, whilst giving her his famous
puppy dog look. Janet’s insides melted *If only he’d
come to see me,* she thought wistfully, before telling
herself that she should just be happy that he was in
her living room.
Janet smiled and indicated to the sofa Cassie was
sitting in, ‘Well don’t let me get in your way’ she
said sweetly, ‘I would offer you a coffee but it
appears you’ve already covered that base!’ She laughed
lightly as Daniel had the grace to look sheepish.
‘Sorry, Cassie offered and I couldn’t resist!’ Daniel
commented as he settled himself next to the teenager.
His eyes never left Janet as she went upstairs to
change. *She’s so beautiful* Daniel thought to himself
before forcing himself to concentrate on what Cassie
was saying. ‘…and it’s due in tomorrow so I’m really
glad you came by. I’m not really sure what to write
for the conclusion, I don’t even know if I’ve included
enough relevant points to even write a conclusion yet,
but…’
‘Cass,’ Daniel interrupted her, ‘Just let me see what
you’ve done so far, okay?’ Cassie reluctantly picked
up the essay in question and handed it to him, she
really hoped Daniel didn’t think she was stupid; it
was just that she wasn’t very good at history.
<><><><><<>
*Okay* Janet thought starring at her closet, *there
must be something in here that’s suitable to wear! You
want something casual, but still sexy. You’ve come
home after a busy day, you’re just going to heat the
dinner then relax, just because Daniel’s here doesn’t
mean…* Janet took an exasperated sigh *What was she
doing? Daniel was downstairs in HER house, why the
hell was she wasting time staring at clothes when she
could be staring at him? *
Casting one last glance at her clothes collection, she
decided on a sweatshirt and black leggings. Looking at
her reflection in her full-length mirror, Janet
smiled, happy with the choice she’d made. Not having
time or the patience to put any more make-up on, she
decided to deal with her hair instead. Removing it
from the military bun and pins, she ran her brush down
it. She smiled as her auburn hair just brushed her
shoulders; *Perfect,* she thought as she turned and
left her bedroom.
<><><><><><><><>>
‘Um, you’ve mentioned both Hyperion and Apollo as if
they ruled together as friends.’
‘They didn’t?’ Cassie asked, confused.
Before Daniel could answer he was distracted by a
noise, looking up, he spotted Janet coming down the
stairs. *Oh, she’s so beautiful,* he thought as she
continued into the living room. *Stop gawking at her,*
he instructed himself and he quickly looked back down
at the essay, what had he been saying?
‘Um, no, Hyperion was the sun god, until the Titans
fell from power and were overthrown by the Olympians
and Apollo replaced him, it’s actually a fascinating
story; John Keats wrote a couple of poems about it…’
He glanced over to Cassie seeing her raised eyebrow he
continued quickly, not wanting to embarrass himself in
front of Janet ‘…but anyway the point is they’re from
Greek mythology not ancient Egypt. If you wanna write
about the sun god then you have to refer to Ra.’
Daniel said, shuddering slightly.
‘Who?’ Cassie asked, looking puzzled.
‘Sounds like you might be there for a while,’ Janet
commented, settling herself into the chair across from
the sofa, smiling as Cassie threw a mock glare in her
direction. ‘You wanna stay for dinner? After all you
are helping Cass.’ *Please say yes* she silently
encouraged him.
Daniel tried to swallow but his mouth had gone dry
*She wanted him to stay for dinner?* Glancing at
Cassie, before returning his gaze to Janet, he smiled
uncertainly. ‘Are you sure?’ Daniel really wanted to
stay, but didn’t want to impose any more then he
already was.
‘Of course I’m sure. As long as you don’t mind
yesterday’s left-overs heated-up.’ She smiled at him
reassuringly. ‘There’s plenty to go around Daniel,
honestly.’ She held her breath as she waited for him
to answer.
Daniel smiled at her, ‘Well in that case, I’d love to
stay.’ Today was definitely turning out for the
better, Daniel thought, glad he’d finally had the
courage to drop around her birthday present; he’d been
gathering the courage to do it ever since he’d bought
it two weeks ago.
Janet smiled back at him. ‘I’ll go and warm it in a
little while, after I’ve rested my feet for a bit’.
*What am I saying? * Janet thought groaning inwardly,
*I’m talking about my feet in front of Daniel? What do
I think he’s going to do, offer to massage them for
me? Oh, don’t go there,* she warned herself, almost
missing Daniel’s question.
‘Busy day?’ he asked, looking mildly concerned.
‘The usual! But no major catastrophes though, thank
goodness!’ Janet replied, tucking her legs underneath
herself, curling up in the chair and rested her head
against her knee.
*She looks exhausted,* Daniel thought, feeling
slightly guilty to agreeing to stay. *Now she has
another mouth to feed.* ‘Let me know if there’s
anything I can do to help’ Daniel said sincerely; to
which Janet smiled and nodded.
Turning back to Cassie and the essay at hand, he
continued his miniature lecture on the difference
between Greek and Egyptian mythology, trying not to
think of how close to home it now came.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
‘So they considered some animals sacred as well as
gods?’ Cassie asked. They had been talking about her
essay for over half-an-hour and she was learning
loads, much more than in her history classes at
school; Daniel was a great teacher, he made it sound
fascinating instead of boring and dull.
‘Yes, mainly due to the fact they believed certain
animals represented gods in different forms.’ Cassie
nodded he’d talked a bit about that already. ‘Some of
these sacred animals include birds, Bulls, Rams…’
He trailed off as he heard soft snoring coming from
the armchair opposite. Glancing over at Janet’s form,
he couldn’t help smiling. *She looks so peaceful,* he
thought *Nothing like the tough military woman she has
to acts like at work.*
‘Do you think I was boring her?’ Daniel asked,
grinning. Cassie looked over at her mother and smiled.
‘Nah! This isn’t boring, she must be tired.’ Cassie
replied.
‘How’s this for a plan?’ Daniel suggested ‘You come
and show me where the evening meal is and I’ll heat it
up, while you try to write a couple of paragraphs on
what we’ve been talking about. Then we’ll wake your
Mom up, eat dinner and I’ll see what you’ve managed to
come up with, besides it’s almost finished.’
‘That sounds great! I’m starving!’ Cassie grinned
*This man is great! I really hope he gets together
with my mum soon; they’d be so sweet together! *
‘Okay then.’ Daniel helped Cassie off the sofa and
together they headed towards the kitchen.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Stopping the microwave before it beeped, Daniel
removed the newly heated food and divided it equally
between the three waiting plates. Cassie looked up
from her essay as she spotted Daniel carrying two of
the plates through into the dinning room; it smelled
delightful. Signalling to him that she’d get the
third, she got up and left the room.
Placing the plates on the dinner table, Daniel
re-entered the living room and slowly approached
Janet’s chair. Crouching down so that he was level
with her face, he smiled, allowing himself a moment to
simply stare at her. *I wonder if I’ll ever see her
like this again * he mused as his hand reached over to
gently shake her shoulder. *I certainly hope I do.* He
tried to stop all the fantasies he’d had about waking
up beside Janet from coming to the surface as he
softly spoke her name.
‘Janet’ he called softly ‘Time to wake up.’
She murmured something, which he didn’t quite catch as
she snuggled her head deeper into the crook of her
arm. Daniel just smiled *So cute,* he commented
silently as he tried again, this time a little louder
and firmer.
‘Janet!’ This time she slowly opened her eyes and for
a moment their eyes met and locked. *This must be a
dream,* Janet thought to herself as she starred into
the eyes of the man who… the man who was actually in
her house, staring right back at her *Oh no!* she
broke their eye contact as she remembered the earlier
events.
‘Um,’ Janet looked down embarrassed. ‘I guess I was
more tired than I thought. Just give me a moment and
I’ll go heat up…’ She didn’t even finish her sentence
as the aroma of cooked food finally reached her nose
and her stomach grumbled.
‘I, um, kinda already heated it up for you. I wasn’t
in a hurry or anything, I just thought it would have
been a shame to wake you.’ Daniel was also blushing as
he stood up, still slightly caught off-guard from the
look they’d exchange, it had been as if she had looked
right into his soul. *I really hope I didn’t let my
feelings show, no wonder she’s embarrassed, maybe she
was too tired to notice.* Being the perfect gentleman,
Daniel reached out his hand to help her up from her
chair.
The moment their hands touched, both gasped from the
jolt of electricity which seemed to course through
their bodies, radiating from their joined hands; once
again their eyes met. Such dept and intensity was
conveyed between the two of them. Never breaking eye
contact, Janet slowly allowed herself to be pulled
into a standing position; their bodies a mere few
centimetres apart. Slowly Daniel leaned forward *He
gonna kiss me!* Janet thought as she closed her eyes,
waiting, she could feel his breath against her lips…
‘Hey guys, it’s gonna get cold, what’s the problem!’
Both of them jumped backwards as if shot; Janet
colliding with the armchair. As she regained her
balance, she cleared her throat and shouted, ‘We’re
just coming, honey.’ Taking a deep breath, she risked
a glance over at Daniel, who looked a little
preoccupied. Walking past him, she lightly tugged on
his sleeve. ‘Come on, you heard the lady!’ Janet said,
grinning, causing Daniel’s face to split into a smile
as he obediently followed her to the table.
<><><<<><><><><><><><<>
‘That was great,’ Cassie complimented as she pushed
her now empty plate slightly away from her. ‘I
couldn’t eat another bite! Thanks, Mom, for cooking
it, and thanks Daniel for heating it up - you guys
make a great team!’ she said, beaming. She had really
enjoyed the meal, it wasn’t just the food, but the
company had been great as well. ‘Hey Daniel, just give
me another 10 minutes with this essay, before I show
you the improved version,’ Cassie said, leaving the
table and heading towards the living room.
Janet glanced over at Daniel, as once again she was
left in the room alone with this gorgeous man. *Calm
down. You’re a grown woman, for crying out loud.*
Janet silently berated herself for acting like a love
sick teenager. *It’s just Daniel. You were speaking to
him at work just this morning and you’re his doctor
for goodness sake.*
Daniel looked over at Janet, wondering what she was
thinking about; he hoped it was him. Standing up
silently, he started gathering the dirty plates, which
seemed to be enough to break Janet from her thoughts.
‘Hey, let me get that!’ Janet said, also standing up
to help. ‘You cooked, and you’re supposed to be the
guest.’ *He’s such a gentleman,* Janet thought,
cutting off his protest before it left his mouth.
‘Honestly Daniel, I insist. So far I haven’t been much
of a host have I?’ Janet said smiling.
‘Janet, at least let me help with the dishes’ Daniel
protested *We’re friends, what’s with this
hostess/guest thing? I always help Jack with the
dishes!*
‘Absolutely not.’ She wasn’t going to let him go
anywhere near the dishes. *What would he think of me,
he’d never want to eat here again, and we can’t have
that! *
‘Come on, you heard Cass, I’ve got 10 minutes to
kill!’ Daniel pleaded. *Trying that puppy dog look on
her again probably wouldn’t hurt right about now,* he
thought.
‘And you want to spend that time washing up the
dishes?’ She shot back in disbelief. *A man that
wanted to do the dishes? Wonder what he’d look like in
my apron,* she said, smiling at the thought.
‘Yes. It’s that or sitting here at this table alone,
and quite frankly I can do that at my house any time
so…’ *Please! I really want to spend some time with
you, even if it’s doing the boring chore of washing
up.*
Janet gave in with a smile, ‘Okay! Have it your way,
Dish-man!’ *Dish-man? What the hell am I saying?*
Janet thought, as she quickly carried the plates to
the kitchen, not giving him time to respond.
*Dish-man?* Daniel wondered, as he carried out the
cups, *I’m not even going to ask!*
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
As Cassie approached the kitchen, she could hear the
sound of laughter. Peeping her head in she stopped in
her tracks; she couldn’t help but laugh at the scene
in front of her.
Everything seemed to be covered in bubbles, even the
toaster hadn’t escaped its soapy fate; and right in
the middle of the mess stood her Mom and Daniel. *Was
he wearing an apron?* Cassie wondered as she loudly
cleared her throat.
A startled silence filled the kitchen as the pair
looked guiltily in her direction; they looked like
kids who’d been caught stealing from the cookie jar.
Cassie had to laugh once again; how old were they?
‘Um, I just wanted you to know I’m ready for you to
look at my essay Daniel, but, uh, I don’t mind
waiting, I can see you’ve got more important things to
deal with,’ Cassie said, grinning. ‘I’ll meet you in
the other room, but take your time though!’ With that
she left the kitchen.
Unable to contain it any longer the bubble-covered
pair burst out in fits of laughter. After what seemed
like an eternity, Daniel wiped the tears from his
eyes, and headed towards the door. *Who called washing
up a boring chore?* Daniel asked himself. *I never
have that much fun doing the dishes with Jack or Sam!*
After leaving the kitchen, Daniel heard Janet shout,
‘Daniel I need my apron back!’ Grinning, he turned
around and complied with her command.
<><><><><><><><><><><>
‘…and in conclusion, Ancient Egypt was a fascinating
place, which we can revisit through the magical world
of mythology.’ Cassie finished reading, and beamed at
the man sitting beside her. ‘Wow! Thanks, Daniel, this
is great; Mrs Leigh will love it, it has to be worth
at least a B!’
Janet watched her ecstatic daughter from the safety of
her armchair; she couldn’t help but smile. Cassie had
worked hard on that essay, and now thanks to Daniel’s
help, she’d get the grade she deserved; Janet was
proud of her daughter and very grateful to Daniel.
*What other guy would give up an entire evening to
prepare meals, do homework and help with the dishes?
He’d make a terrific father. Whoa, where did that
thought come from?* she wondered.
‘I’m glad I could help, after all, you’re the one that
put all that effort into. Mrs Leigh must be mad if she
doesn’t give you an A*, it’s a great essay,’ Daniel
reasoned.
‘Thanks,’ Cassie replied ‘But I think Mrs Leigh’s
slightly mad anyway!’
‘Cassie,’ Janet warned ‘Don’t be rude about your
teachers!’
‘Mom, she almost ran me over once!’ Seeing her Mom’s
face was set, she turned her case over to Daniel. ‘One
time she was driving out of the school gate with her
books and papers still on the roof, and when we tried
to warn her she thought we were just waving. Oh, and
last month we went on a school trip, and one of the
kids got mugged and she didn’t even seemed bothered!’
‘Were they hurt?’ Daniel asked, his face crinkling in
concern.
‘No, not really. Although the muggers did take his
watch, ring and some money, but then again he was
drunk…’
‘Drunk? On a school trip?’ Daniel asked, shocked.
‘It’s okay, Daniel,’ Janet reassured him. ‘It was a
one off case and the parents all received a letter
home about it; Cassie wasn’t involved.’
‘Oh.’ Daniel didn’t really know what to say.
‘Well I better get to bed,’ Cassie said, glancing
toward the clock. ‘Good night, Daniel, thanks for your
help.’ She then surprised him by placing a kiss on his
cheek and whispered, ‘I won’t forget about the
present, promise.’ She then ran over and hugged her
mother before running up the stairs.
‘Well, um, I guess I better get going. I’ve got that
mission debrief at 7:00am tomorrow and Jack will kill
me if I’m late.’ *Why am I so disappointed? I’ll see
her in 3 days, heck I didn’t even plan to see her
tonight; so why does the front door suddenly seem so
far away?*
Janet sighed as she slowly got up from her chair.
*He’s leaving, so what? You’ve had a great time
tonight, and you’re guaranteed some real sweet dreams
tonight, courtesy of one fine looking Dr Jackson, so
what’s the problem? Uh oh…he’s talking, what’s he
saying?*
‘…had a fantastic time tonight, thanks for having me
over!’
‘Are you kidding? You can come and do the dishes any
time!’ Janet joked as they slowly headed towards the
door. ‘You certainly entertained us, who’d have
thought you’d look so good in an apron.’ Daniel’s face
turned an interesting shade of crimson and he looked
down to study his feet. *On no! Did I say that out
loud? *
The awkward silence grew between them as they stood at
the front door, facing one another. After a brief
pause Daniel said hesitantly ‘Well, thanks again,’ and
started to turned away, he then turned back, ‘Happy
birthday for Thursday,’ he commented, and before he
could chicken out, he lent forward and kissed her
quickly on the lips, then hurriedly headed towards his
car, smiling.
Janet touched her hand to her lips as she watched him
back out of her driveway, giving her a little wave.
She smiled, waving back as the car disappeared into
the night. She was glad Cassie had gone to bed because
she couldn’t wipe the goofy grin off her face and
didn’t want to have to explain it to her. *Who cares
if it was only a friendly birthday kiss, his lips
still touched mine, that counts, right? * Oh yes,
she would have some very interesting dreams tonight!
<><><><><><<><><><><><>
THURSDAY NIGHT
Janet closed the door, as the last of her guests
finally left. Turning around, she surveyed the damage;
it wasn’t too bad, she decided as she went to find
some bin liners. She’d decided to have her birthday
celebration at her house this year, wanting to keep it
a small and low- key event. However, being a doctor at
the SGC ensures you get to know almost everybody due
to check-ups and treatments; and of course, everyone
had wanted to come and wish her happy birthday. Janet
was flattered, but a little worn out.
‘There sure were a lot of people here tonight, Mom!’
Cassie shouted from her position on the couch. She had
helped by being one of the waitresses/hostesses and
she was exhausted. She slowly got to her feet, ready
to help once more as her mum entered the room,
bin-liners in hand. ‘It’s a shame SG-1 couldn’t come
though!’ Cassie commented, voicing Janet’s thoughts.
‘Yes, it was a pity. Nevertheless, they had a mission,
heck, they’re not even on the planet, I think that’s a
good enough excuse! Besides they already gave me a
present before they left’ Janet said, gesturing
towards the newly hung picture frame.
15 minutes later, the two women stood back and admired
their work. Two bin-liners full of rubbish stood
neatly by the back door, the dirty cups and bowls were
all soaking in the sink for tomorrow and the vacuum
cleaner could finally return to its place in the
cupboard.
‘Well, I’m shattered!’ Cassie exclaimed. ‘I’m gonna
start getting ready for bed.’ She walked over to her
mother, hugging her and saying ‘Happy Birthday! Hope
you had a great day’.
‘Thanks, Sweetie, good night.’ Janet wandered into the
kitchen, not yet ready to give into sleep, she poured
herself a glass of wine before returning to the living
room. Once there, she turned on the CD player and as
the first notes of a love ballad were softly heard,
she curled up onto the couch.
However, before she could get comfortable Cassie came
running down the stairs in her nightdress, toothbrush
still in her mouth. ‘What’s wrong?’ Janet asked
concerned.
Trying to talk around the toothbrush, which had been
firmly placed in her mouth, she tried to reassure her
mother, without showering her in foam. ‘Nothin’, I
almost forgot to give you this,’ she said, thrusting a
small, neatly wrapped package into Janet’s hands.
‘What this?’ She asked curiously as Cassie started to
leave the room. Turning back to her mother she
shrugged, ‘It’s a present from Daniel,’ before her
footsteps were heard on the stairs.
Janet’s heart was pounding as she held onto the box.
*Daniel got me a present?* she wondered. *Just take a
deep breath and open it, for goodness sake. *
With trembling fingers, Janet reached for the card,
running a finger over her name, which had been
carefully penned in gold. Pulling out the card, her
heart skipped a beat as she read the inscription on
the front, ‘Birthday wishes to someone special’.
*Someone special? He can’t mean…*
The inside of the card cleared up any possible doubts
she could have. Handwritten in the same gold pen as
the envelope were the words:
‘Janet,
I hope you have a really great birthday – you deserve
it.
I wish I had been there, sorry that I couldn’t share
it with you.
Although I’m elsewhere, you can be sure I’m thinking
about you.
You’re really special to me and my feelings toward you
go a lot deeper than that of a friend. If you don’t
feel the same way, then I won’t push you, I couldn’t
stand the thought of losing your friendship; it’s so
important to me.
However, if there’s the slightest possibility that in
your heart, you can view me as more than a friend,
then let’s get together sometime soon.
Yours always
Daniel’
Janet couldn’t keep the tears from running down her
cheeks. *Oh Daniel, of course I feel the same way! *
Slowly she reached for the present and carefully
unwrapped it to find a small jewellery box. Not
wanting to wait another moment longer, she opened the
lid to reveal an expensive looking silver heart-shaped
necklace, with matching earrings; in the centre of the
heart was a small white diamond. She slowly removed
the necklace from its box, and turning it over in her
hand she realised it had her name inscribed on the
back.
*Oh, I can’t wait until tomorrow!* Janet thought
happily.
<><><><><><><><><><><>
FRIDAY MORNING
‘Daniel, somethin’ on ya mind?’ Jack asked the young
archaeologist, watching him glance nervously at the
distant stargate for the sixth time in the last 5
minutes.
‘What?’ Daniel asked, jumping at the sound of Jack’s
voice beside him. Their mission had been a success; no
one had been hurt and Daniel had spent most of the
time deciphering writings on a temple wall. He knew he
should have been ecstatic, but he couldn’t seem to get
his mind off Janet; she should have his present by
now, what would she have thought of it?
‘Well, it’s just that I can’t help noticing that
you’ve been acting a little preoccupied,’ Jack
commented, still observing him.
‘Just got a few things on my mind, Jack,’ Daniel
replied, looking once again to the ever-approaching
stargate that would soon be taking him back to Earth.
‘Ya think?’ Jack replied, ‘Come on, tell me what’s
bothering you. Ya keep looking at the Stargate as if
gonna to attack you or something.’
‘Jack…’
‘No. Na aaa ah, now don’t ‘Jack’ me. Tell me what the
problem is. We’re supposed to be best buddies,’ Jack
said, elbowing Daniel lightly in the ribs.
‘We are…’he sighed.
‘So what’s wrong?’ Jack wasn’t best known for his
patience.
Daniel sighed, ‘I finally decided to act upon my
feelings for Janet.’
‘What? When? How? Why the hell didn’t you tell me?’
‘Well I kissed her…’ At Jack look he quickly continued
‘It was only brief, to wish her happy birthday and to
thank her for the meal.’
‘What meal?’
‘The meal we shared. Look nothing happened, I just
gave Cassie the present I bought, to give to her Mom
and then I helped with her homework...’
‘What’d ya buy her?’
‘A necklace.’
‘Uh huh. And what time did you leave her house.’
‘Um, shortly after eleven’
‘Why wasn’t I told any of this? You know I tell
you…stuff…I expected the same from you!’ Daniel had
the grace to look slightly ashamed. ‘Besides’ Jack
continued ‘What’s the problem, so you gave her a
necklace it’s not like you declared your undying love
to her…Daniel?’ Jack asked suspiciously.
‘The necklace was heart shaped, and that bit about
undying love? Yeah, I think I may of put that in her
card.’
‘What card?’ Jack asked, exasperated.
‘Oh boy!’ *When did we start playing twenty questions
- well just grin and bear it, he can’t have that many
left.* Daniel continued to endure Jack’s questioning
until the reached the gate. Taking a deep breath,
Daniel began to dial home. ‘Oh boy’ he muttered once
again.
Jack clamped a hand on his shoulder and smiled
reassuringly at him, silently conveying that he’d be
there to support Daniel whatever the outcome. Daniel
nodded his head, acknowledging his promise with
gratitude as they slowly disappeared through the
wormhole.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Daniel sighed as he headed down the corridor towards
his office. He still hadn’t seen Janet and now he was
afraid that she might be avoiding him. *I’m such an
idiot!* After coming down the ramp, the team had
headed straight to the infirmary only to find Dr.
Warner was doing the after mission physicals; then it
was straight to the briefing room – and there was no
Janet there either. Now, he was determined to write-up
the mission report, and try to block Dr. Fraiser from
his mind.
Juggling his coffee cup and pile of debriefing papers
he managed to open his office door, and his heart
stopped; Janet was sitting on his chair, behind his
desk. *Breathe Jackson,* he reminded himself.
She slowly looked up and their eyes met, this time
neither felt it necessary to lose the connection.
Janet stood up and started walking towards Daniel, who
was still standing in his doorway. ‘You can come in if
you like!’ she joked nervously. ‘After all, it is your
office.’
Daniel swallowed; breaking eye contact, he slowly took
a few tentative steps into his office, pushing the
door closed. Whatever the outcome, he knew for certain
he didn’t want an audience. ‘Hey Janet’ Daniel spoke
to her for the first time, glancing at her nervously
trying to judge how she was feeling; she wasn’t giving
anything away.
*Well, this is it girl! * Janet warned herself. *The
ball’s in your court.* She travelled the remaining
steps silently, until she stood directly in front of
him. Resuming eye contact, she stared deeply into his
eyes. She felt like she was drowning, as she stood on
her tiptoes, placed a hand on his shoulder and slowly
tilted her head upwards. As their lips came closer
together, she closed her eyes and whispered against
his lips, ‘Thanks for the necklace, I love it, and you
too.’ With that, their lips met, at first it was a
gentle kiss, a promise of what to come. As Daniel
opened his mouth, allowing Janet’s tongue entrance, he
groaned softly and wrapped his arms around the petite
woman, revelling in the feel of her.
They were so engrossed in one another, they didn’t
hear the office door open and the happy cheer, ‘way to
go space monkey!’
The End.
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