The Bug by Sarah Stitch
Author's Notes:
Fandom: Stargate SG1
Pairing: Jack/Daniel
Category: First Times
Rating: R
Status: complete
Archive: Ask me first please
E-mail address for feedback: scribestitch@yahoo.com
Series/Sequel: no
Author's websites: http://www.geocities.com/scribestitch/bug.html
Not really complete at this time.
Disclaimers: Jack and Daniel belong to each other.
Notes: This is my first Stargate slashfic
Warnings: There is a moment of almost het at the end, but don't worry. It's subtle.
Spoilers: This is set in the future, when Daniel is safely back from the other realm.
Beta reader: JJ
Anything else you'd like to add: Comments are welcome
Pairing: Jack/Daniel
Category: First Times
Rating: R
Status: complete
Archive: Ask me first please
E-mail address for feedback: scribestitch@yahoo.com
Series/Sequel: no
Author's websites: http://www.geocities.com/scribestitch/bug.html
Not really complete at this time.
Disclaimers: Jack and Daniel belong to each other.
Notes: This is my first Stargate slashfic
Warnings: There is a moment of almost het at the end, but don't worry. It's subtle.
Spoilers: This is set in the future, when Daniel is safely back from the other realm.
Beta reader: JJ
Anything else you'd like to add: Comments are welcome
The Bug
by Sarah Stitch
Everyone thought Colonel Jack O'Neill was depressed. His co-workers had noticed it, but it seemed a touchy subject. Every mention of his condition in any form had resulted in O'Neill's obstinate denial.
He showed up for work every morning, performed his job with outstanding proficiency and never failed to respond to a request or notice a detail. He was not despondent, not inattentive. He was simply sad and unwilling to share his sadness with anyone.
His last word on the subject had been to Daniel, who had made several attempts to talk with him. "It’s *my* misery. Let me wallow in it."
Daniel had finally conceded.
A special briefing that included General George Hammond, Major Samantha Carter, Teal'c and Dr. Daniel Jackson was scheduled Friday evening after Jack had left work. "I hope Jack never finds out about this meeting." Daniel commented as he took his seat beside Samantha.
Sam was in agreement. "He won't unless one of us tells him."
The general sat at the head of the table and glanced at each of the three members of SG1. "I think you all know why we're here." he began. "This is about Colonel O'Neill. Personally, I'd like to know what's the matter with him. I've sent him to the infirmary a few times, and he passed every examination. There's nothing physically or mentally wrong with him. Janet says it's emotional, that it's *personal*, and that there's nothing medicine can do about it. I would like to know just exactly what *can* be done because I'm tired of seeing him drag-ass around the base like he's lost his best friend."
Turning to Dr. Jackson, Sam said, "You should've seen him when you were gone, Daniel. He was worse, but at that time, we all knew why. That's when he really *had* lost his best friend."
"Do you think it's something related?" Hammond asked. "Could it be something between you two, Dr. Jackson? I know how close you are."
"We had words a couple of times, but that can't be the reason." Daniel said uncertainly. "I haven't been going out much in the last couple of months because I don't really like the bar scene and that's always the first place Jack heads. I asked him once why friendship has to be a *drinking* relationship."
"And what did he say?" Hammond asked.
"He just said 'never mind'."
"Has he asked you over since then?"
"No. No, he hasn't." Daniel answered, thinking. "In fact, he hasn't wanted to talk to me much since then. It's like he closed off completely."
The general sighed. "Well, it's obvious you're the one who needs to make ammends here."
Daniel looked down. "You don't think something as petty as that hurt his feelings *this* bad, do you? Do you think I really mean that much to him?"
"I think you do." Teal'c said.
Sam nodded. "Yeah, me, too." she answered. "Jack loves you a lot, Daniel. I don't think he ever had a friend like you before."
Daniel was stricken. "God, I'm so sorry." he mumbled.
"Dr. Jackson, how do you feel about Colonel O'Neill?" the general asked.
"He's my best friend." Daniel answered glumly. "I guess I just didn't realize how...*human* he is."
"Well," Hammond said with finality, "If we truly have found the answer, I think we know what has to be done to restore Colonel O'Neill's emotional well-being, don't we?"
"Yes, sir." Daniel answered. "I'll go apologize tonight."
"That doesn't mean you have to drink with him." Hammond said. "I hope to God he hasn't started that nasty habit back up again. He's an alcoholic, you know."
"I know." Daniel knew the whole story about Jack's young son who had shot himself with Jack's gun, and Jack's digression into a bottle. Jack had lost everything, and had only found himself socially acceptable again due to the stargate project. "Don't worry. I don't drink any more. Well, not alcohol. Just coffee."
"Then go over to his house and make a pot of coffee." Hammon instructed. "Talk to him, say whatever you have to say to get him out of this rut. I want him in tip-top shape by Monday morning, do you understand me?"
"I understand." Daniel said, knowing from Carter's wide eyed gaze that he would not leave until he had heard her advice on the matter. He glanced at Teal'c and saw a reproving lift of his eyebrow. "Okay, I'll head on over there."
His lame attempt at retreat was quickly overcome. Sam caught him by the arm. "Daniel, I have to talk to you first."
With an ill-suppressed groan, he settled in his chair to listen to her.
General Hammond rose to leave. "I think you folks can handle it from here. My presence is needed elsewhere now. Good luck." With those words, acknowledging the goodbyes, he left the room.
"Daniel," Sam began as Teal'c moved his position to Daniel's other arm. "You didn't tell us about your argument with Jack. Why not?"
"It wasn't an argument." Daniel answered. "I just told him I don't like going to bars and I guess he took it that I didn't want to hang out with him any more."
"Do you?" Teal'c asked.
"Do I what?"
"Do you want to 'hang out' with him?"
"I want to be his friend, yes. I want us to be close like we used to be."
"Do you believe you can achieve this?" Teal'c asked.
"I can try."
Sam pressed a hand to his arm. "Try hard, Daniel. We want him back the way he was."
*******
The advice session went on for over an hour before Daniel managed to escape the briefing room. From there, he took a quick shower, put on fresh clothes and drove off-base. His stress-level was high as he pondered what to say and do to bring Jack O'Neill back from the dark side. He wished there was a guarantee of some kind. He wished, just for once, that he could rid himself of his own inhibitions and just say what he felt. He feared that if he revealed those hidden feelings, Jack would not only be depressed, but disgusted with him.
He parked on the curb in front of Jack's house and sat viewing it for a time before approaching. It was nearly dark by the time he knocked on the front door.
Beer in hand, Jack answered the door. He was dressed in loose sweats and a ragged tee shirt. He was barefoot. His half-smile was at least cordial. "Hi, Daniel." he said softly.
"Hi, Jack." Daniel waited for an invitation.
Moving aside, Jack allowed him in. "What's up?" he asked as he closed the door and followed the archaeologist to the living room.
"I just realized it's been a long time since you and I spent any time together. Could we do that this evening, Jack--spend some time together?"
"Sure." Jack answered, feigning joviality. "Pull up a chair. Want something to drink?"
Daniel caught the look in his eyes and looked away. "No, thank you."
Jack sat on the couch and patted the cushion beside him. "Come here." he invited. "Take a load off. Tell me what's on your mind."
Daniel sat down and found himself drawn close in a half hug. In near desperation, he turned and wound both arms around his anguished friend. "I just need to be close to you, that's all." he confessed. "I'm tired of this barrier between us. Whatever it is, let's get rid of it and be friends again."
Jack drew a deep sigh. "I thought we were always friends."
"Not like we used to be. You withdrew."
"No, *you* withdrew." Jack accused. "And me...I just...I let you."
Daniel pulled back to look into his eyes. "Jack, can we get through this?"
Jack hugged him close again. "I don't see why not."
Daniel was disturbed that the colonel smelled strongly of beer. "Maybe we should talk about this tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Jack's hand was rubbing circles on his back. "Is that your way of hinting you'd like to spend the night?" He chuckled. He fiddled with Daniel's belt loop and tore something off that was stuck to the belt.
"I hadn't considered that possibility." Daniel answered, wondering where the conversation was leading.
Jack studied the object he had unattached from his friend's belt and was outraged at the implications it presented. He controlled his temper. Without a word, he showed it to Daniel, who immediately recognized it as a miniature microphone. He stared, perplexed.
Reaching for a writing pad and pen from the coffee table, Jack lashed out a single word. 'Who?'
Daniel took the pen defensively. 'No idea.' He crossed his heart to prove his innocence.
'One of our own?'
'Surely not Sam.'
'Could it be her?'
Daniel nodded, closing his eyes. He jotted down a quick justification. 'We were all worried about you. You were so depressed! If she did it, it was out of concern.'
Jack went to the window, beckoning him, and Daniel moved to peer through the curtains with him. The street was well-lit, well enough to see a blue Chevrolet parked half a block from them. Noiselessly, Jack went to the closet and returned with binoculars. He investigated the car and its two occupants, then nodded, completely offended. He handed Daniel the binoculars.
Daniel focused in on the car's windshield and saw Samantha Carter, headset in place, at the wheel. Teal'c was in the passenger's seat, also obviously waiting for more conversation.
Appalled, the two men returned to the couch. Daniel took up the paper and wrote, 'I didn't know. I'm sorry.'
Jack took the pen. 'They're so anxious to hear us, let's give 'em something to listen to.' He spoke aloud. "I have a double bed, you know. You're welcome to share it tonight." After a long swig of beer, he set the bottle on the coffee table.
Daniel stared at him, wondering what he was thinking. "If you really want me to stay over, I will." he said.
"Okay. Sounds great." Jack grinned at him, then burped loudly.
"Oh, what grace." Daniel said in nervous amusement.
"Good beer."
"Don't drink any more, okay, Jack? It's a natural depressant"
Jack turned to him curiously. "And if I agree not to drink any more, what is my reward?"
"You want a reward for staying sober?" Daniel was slightly chafed.
"What will you do for me?" Jack asked, leaning toward him suggestively. "You know...something to cheer me up?"
"What do you *want* me to do?" Daniel demanded softly.
Jack gazed at him a moment, then suddenly became indifferent. "Not a damn thing."
Daniel tried to play along, but it was a frustrating game. "Damn it, Jack, you can be the most annoying person! Why do you have to be that way? Why can't you just say what you want?"
"Why can't *you*?" Jack countered, making his point.
Daniel gave up. "Okay. Fine. You're right. I'm just as repressed as you are. I'm just as messed up. We're two of a kind, Jack. I think we both want the same thing, but we're both waiting for the other to speak first."
He now had Jack's undivided attention. "Okay. So, do you think it'll be easier to talk about if we're sharing a bed?"
"I don't think it'll be easy by any stretch of the imagination." Confused, Daniel penned, 'Are we playing a game or not?'
"No, Daniel," Jack pulled him into another embrace, lightly pressed whispering lips to his ear. "I wouldn't play with your heart. I wish you knew how much you mean to me. I wish we had more time so I could show you."
Puzzled at the whispers, Daniel's arms closed tightly around him. "I love you, too, Jack." he muttered, then lowered his voice to ask, "Do you think they heard what you just said?"
"I didn't want them to. That's why I whispered." Jack whispered again. His lips were busy applying little kisses around the curve of his friend's ear. Louder, he went on, "Do you know what it did to me when I didn't know if you were dead or alive? Do you know how bad that hurt, Daniel?"
"I'm sorry." Daniel drew in a trembling breath. "I'll never leave you again."
"You'd better not."
"Is that the reason you're so depressed? I didn't know you felt this way about me. I thought it was just...friendship."
"I'm not depressed. And...you know what? I don't see you pushing me away."
"No, I'm not...pushing you away." Daniel held him closer.
"So, if I..." Jack moved his lips to his cheek and kissed there. "Kissed you like this..." He kissed his jaw audibly several times. "You wouldn't have any objections?"
"Why would I object to kisses?" Daniel had figured out the game plan. He returned a kiss on Jack's cheek, then moved it to the corner of his mouth. "Mmmm. Very nice."
Jack smiled at him. "Yes, very nice." He picked up the transmitter and pulled Daniel to his feet. "Come on. Let's continue this in the bedroom."
*****
"Jack..." Daniel caught him by the arms and whispered hoarsely into his ear. "This is inappropriate of your rank. You could be court martialed for consorting...or...whatever they call it in the military. The SGC means something to both of us. We can't take a chance on screwing up our jobs."
"Daniel," Jack spoke in a normal voice, "You mean more to me than anything--rank, job or anything else connected. Right now, what I want..." The colonel slowly unbuttoned Daniel's shirt and, combing the fingers of both hands through the younger man's resilient hair, bent to kiss his lips. "...is you."
Daniel stared at him in shock. "You mean it, don't you? You're serious."
"As a heart attack." Jack confirmed against his lips. "I need you, Daniel. All I need now is for you to tell me you feel the same way."
Daniel's lower lip trembled as he held eye contact with his best friend and potential lover. "I feel the same way." he admitted. "I just never thought it would happen between us."
Jack kissed him again and gave him an ardent hug. His whisper was so soft Daniel could barely hear him. "I really do love you, Daniel. I've always loved you. But we're not going to do anything until Carter and Teal'c leave."
"And when they leave?" Daniel prompted.
"Then we'll do whatever you like." Jack kissed him again and said out loud, "I've never been with a man before, but I've got a feeling we'll be able to figure everything out just fine. I know I love kissing you. I think the sex will come pretty naturally once we get going."
Daniel blushed. "I think you're right." he said. "Although I've never been with a man, either. I've
read a few books on the subject."
"Are you sure this is what you want?"
"Oh, I'm sure." Daniel gave him an intimate smile. "Definitely."
A loud knock at the door told them someone was standing in protest of their conduct. Smiling, Jack rebuttoned Daniel's shirt again and led the way to the front door. He opened it, brandishing a knowing smile at Samantha Carter and Teal'c. "Hiya, kids." he greeted. "I wondered how long it'd take you to try and stop us."
Sam looked flustered. "Sir, your course of action is unbecoming a military officer. I don't want to see you lose your rank."
"Really, Major?" Jack stood aside for the two to enter the house. "Why would you think I might lose my rank? Do you know something you're not telling me?"
The woman looked disturbed as she glanced around the room, then her expression calmed. "You knew we were listening." she deducted.
O'Neill showed her the microphone. "This was a private matter, Major, and you have infringed on our rights. Frankly, I'm pretty pissed off about it."
"Sir, I was worried about you. Daniel was coming to try to get through to you, but I never expected him to use seduction tactics."
"He didn't." Jack said. "I'm the one who initiated the seduction. And you were out of line. I hope this isn't going on record."
"No, sir. It was my idea. I'm sorry. I just wanted to be sure you would be okay. We all care about you very much."
Jack was touched by her soft eyes. "Thank you, Major. I appreciate the thought."
She looked down. "So you used a shock technique to get Teal'c and myself to come forth?"
"That's the way it looks." Jack answered, flopping down on the couch. "Sit down, guys. All of you. I think it's time we had a little talk."
With all team members sitting, the colonel cleared his throat and began. "You're all very important to me. I understand why you did what you did, Carter. I would probably do the same thing...providing I had the technology at my disposal. The relationship the four of us have is sorta like family. And that means a lot to me."
"To me, too, sir." Sam said.
"I know. And you were thinking of me."
There was a moment of uncomfortable silence in the room. Finally, Teal'c spoke up. "DanielJackson, do you plan to spend the night here with O'Neill?"
When Daniel's eyes rose to meet the others', they were moist. He sniffed as he got to his feet. "No comment. Excuse me, guys." He retreated into the rest room.
They all gazed after him, pondering. It was Teal'c who eyed Jack with disdain. "It's possible that
DanielJackson was unaware that Colonel O'Neill was designing a seduction for our benefit. He could be emotionally injured because of this."
Jack shook his head. "Teal'c. Sam. I have a hypothetical situation for you. What if..." He took a
deep breath and went on. "What if the 'seduction' you heard wasn't false? What if I really felt that way about Daniel? What if it were really mutual? What if we really *loved* each other?"
Sam cleared her throat and looked him in the eye. "It's against regulations, sir. It's strictly
forbidden for military personel to..."
"Damn it, Carter, I know all about the fucking rules and regulations. I didn't get to be colonel by buying the right lottery ticket, you know. It took years of hard work and living 'strictly within the protocol'. I'm asking you what *you* would think if you learned this was a real situation. What would you do?"
"I would keep it to myself, sir." she answered mildly.
"Really?"
"Yes, sir."
"And if anyone asked?"
"I would deny all knowledge."
"You would lie for me?"
"Yes, sir. For you."
"You're a good friend, Sam."
She smiled.
"What about you, Teal'c? What would you say?"
"I would say nothing, O'Neill."
Jack nodded. "Thank you both for your support. Now, for the big question. What would you *think* of me?"
"If we learned you and Daniel were engaging in homosexual activities?" Sam said, considering. "I suppose I would hope you weren't depressed any more, and that your commitment would keep Daniel on as a team member. I would be forever worried about someone else finding out, but I would do everything in my power to keep that from happening. Sir."
Jack leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Sam. I hope I can count on you to do just that."
"So it's true." Teal'c asked.
Jack sat back and put his feet on the coffee table. "Yeah." he answered. "It's true."
"Does Daniel know that?" Sam asked.
"I think he knows."
"Sorry we interfered, Jack." Her unofficial voice was somehow softer. "Teal'c, we should go. They need time together."
Jack placed the transmitter in her hand.
*****
"Hey, Danny," Jack tapped on the door, hearing water running on the other side. "You can come out, now. They're gone."
Daniel opened the door hesitantly. "They left?"
"Yeah, they left. It's just you and me, now. Come on."
As he emerged, the archaeologist gave the colonel a questioning glance.
"It's okay. No more bugs. They took it with them." Jack took his hand and held it fondly. "You hungry?"
"No, thanks." Daniel said.
"Thirsty? You want some coffee?"
"No, not right now. Maybe later."
"Are you horny?" Jack asked with a smile.
Daniel let loose a burst of inelegant giggles. "I think I could get aroused with the right conditions."
"Then how about if we go back into the bedroom and I create those right conditions?" he suggested, leading the way. On the way, he emitted another resounding burp.
Daniel followed willingly, his heart skipping every other beat. "You are so romantic!" He laughed.
Jack kissed him as they breached the door, loosening buttons and pulling away clothing. Within minutes, he had acquired the desired state of undress. Both men crawled into bed and rolled together. Pulling the covers over them, Jack passionately kissed Daniel again and murmured, "I wouldn't lie to you about loving you, Danny boy."
Daniel hugged him so hard he felt muscles collapse. "I love you, too, Jack."
"So, what do we do here?"
"You mean the sex?" Daniel looked down at their twin erections. "I'm not really sure, but I'm willing to try oral sex."
"Okay." Jack gave him a slight shrug. "Want me to go first?"
"Um...if you want to. You *are* the commanding officer."
"We could always sixty nine, you know."
"Yeah, we could, but since we're both new at this, don't you think it would be a little dangerous?"
"How?"
"If one of us had a violent orgasm while performing oral sex on the other, there's the risk of involutary biting."
"Oh, yeah. You've got a point there." Jack nodded, cringing at the very thought. "Okay, one at a time, then." After a long, reluctant sigh, he slid down the other man's body to face his objective. "Yep." He glimpsed up to see Daniel watching him with intense interest. "You *did* take a shower today, right?"
Daniel laughed. "Absolutely. Just before I came here, in fact."
Jack nodded and took the hard organ in hand. Opening his mouth, he took it in, tasting it. He closed his eyes and circled the head with his tongue. His fingers explored the pubic area, sifting through curls over the base of the cock and the wrinkled sack beneath it. He pushed the thighs farther apart and gently rubbed them, slowly sucking the head deeper into his mouth.
Daniel's head rolled as he moaned in pleasure. "Are you sure you've never done that before? Because it sure feels good."
Jack raised his head and smiled at him. "Maybe I'm just a natural." he said. "How long has it been since you've had a decent blowjob, anyway?"
Closing his eyes, Daniel hedged, "Um, it's been...a while."
Wise to the other man's unease and obvious lack of experience, Jack resumed his task. It didn't take long. Sucking, stroking and bobbing his head, he soon had the archaeologist writhing in an intense orgasm.
When the colonel wiped his mouth and returned his head to the pillow, he smiled affectionately at his new lover, who was still glowing with ecstasy. "I knew you would be beautiful." he murmured, touching his face.
It took a few minutes for Daniel to gather his thoughts again. When he did, he kissed the man who had so enraptured him. "You think I'm beautiful?"
"You're *beautiful*." Jack answered, and kissed him again.
Running tender fingers along the older man's jawline, Daniel said, "I think you're kinda cute, too."
"Really?" Jack nibbled on his lower lip. "Tell me just what parts you call cute."
"Well, there's just something about your eyes." Daniel gazed peacefully into them. "And the way you look when you're not *sure* about something but you don't want to let on...and there's the way you look when you're worried, and the way you look when you're happy. And the way you look when you're tired..."
"I didn't realize my expressions had that kind of effect on you." Jack said. "But those are the same things I noticed about you."
"Really?" Daniel's obscure darting glance invoked a chuckle.
"Yeah, and *that* look." Jack said. "You obviously don't know how much attraction you can generate with just a few blinks of those baby blues."
They shared another long kiss, then Daniel began the slide downward to administer oral sex to Jack. He was only slightly hesitant at first, but after a few moments had mastered the art and had rendered a phenomenal performance.
After Jack's near-howling completion, they spooned together and slept soundly until morning.
*****
Teal'c opened his eyes and drew in a deep, satisfied sigh. He kissed the blonde head on his chest as he looked at the clock. "It's zero six hundred, Samantha. Should we rise and have coffee?"
Sam slid her touseled head onto his shoulder and yawned. "Why don't we sleep in? It's Saturday."
"Yes, it is." The Jaffa turned his face to her for a kiss, then closed his eyes. "I'm very happy." he said softly.
"Yeah, me, too." she answered. "Jack and Daniel are together, you and I are together...and all is right with the world."
"Precisely." Teal'c said.
~the end~