Lunchtime Surprise
by Pam
E-MAIL: krepta21@hotmail.com
STATUS: complete
RATING: PG
CATEGORY: romance
PAIRINGS: D/J Spoilers: teeny mention of Rite of Passage
SEASON: a little after RoP Disclaimer: if I owned them, things would be a whole lot different!
SUMMARY: none given
Daniel sat in the commissary, picking at his meal...if strange meat covered with mystery sauce, a lumpy blob that looked like macaroni and cheese, and a dish of melting jello could be referred to as a "meal." He didn't have much of an appetite at the moment -- he was too busy worrying about Janet. After the recent events -- what with Nurti going after Cassandra and all -- he felt that Janet was definitely in need of a vacation, or at least a little time off.
This was the motivation that had led Daniel to drop by the infirmary earlier and insist that she join him for lunch today. Sure, he'd practically had to bully her with idle threats about getting her relieved of duty before she agreed, but at least she *had* agreed...
And now, here he was, sitting alone at a table, in front of a tray full of stuff that he wouldn't eat if he were paid to do it, and she should have been here fifteen minutes ago. Daniel wondered if he should ask Sam to talk to the doctor; maybe a close friend's influence would be enough to convince Janet that she needed a break.
Sighing, he reluctantly reconciled himself to the fact that Janet wasn't coming, and resolved to talk to Sam later about his concerns. Daniel was surprised at the tiny pang of sadness that shot through his chest at seeing that she'd "stood him up."
That's ridiculous, he reprimanded himself. After all, he only wanted to make sure that Janet took a break every now and then; she *was* very dedicated to her work in the infirmary. The fact that he would also be there keeping her company meant nothing -- it was simply an opportunity for two friends to socialize. His mind smirked insolently and retorted "Nuh-uh"...
Seeing that he was spending an inordinate amount of time arguing with himself -- and not in a very logical way -- Daniel brushed the entire incident off as nothing. He resolved to put the whole matter out of his head and got up to go dump his tray.
Daniel had just stood from his seat, tray in hands, when Janet rushed through the doors. Quickly scanning the room, she spotted him standing in the back and hurried over. When she reached the table, she carefully deposited a paper bag on top and pulled out a chair.
"Sorry I'm late, Daniel," she apologized as she plopped down in her seat. He followed suit, placing his uneaten tray back on the table. "SG-3 came back from their latest mission with a horrible rash; then Captain Mulkahey got food poisoning after he ate a tainted burger he'd brought in from some restaurant and threw up all over me..."
She gave an exhausted sigh before fixing a suspicious stare at Daniel's tray. "Are you sure eating *that* won't make you ill? Because if you get sick, you'll have to go somewhere else -- I've had enough people vomiting in my infirmary to last a lifetime."
Daniel chuckled. "No, I wasn't planning on eating it," he assured her. "Unfortunately, though, that stuff's probably the best of what they're offering today."
"That's exactly why I brought my own food," Janet replied, opening her brown bag and pulling out a napkin, which she daintily spread on the table. Next was a ham-and-cheese sandwich, complete with lettuce and mayonnaise, and another napkin. She offered the sandwich to him.
"No, that's okay," he said hastily, waving her hand away. "I'm not really hungry, anyway..."
Undeterred, she reached for the knife on his tray and carefully sliced the sandwich in half. Leaving one half on her napkin, she deftly batted his hand away and carefully placed the other half on the edge of his tray, next to the liquefied jello.
"We'll share it, okay?" As Daniel opened his mouth to protest, she cut him off. "I'm really not that hungry, Daniel...and if I'm eating, then so are you." As she pulled out a water bottle, she stared at him defiantly with a no-nonsense expression, as if daring for him to object.
Smiling, Daniel relented at last and picked up the sandwich half. He bit into it gingerly, and then proceeded to devour it with gusto. "This is delicious, Janet!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm, and she grinned in affectionate amusement.
As Daniel took another bite, he accidentally dribbled a little mayonnaise onto his chin and remained oblivious as it slid slowly down his jaw. Janet, in the midst of taking a sip of water, glanced up and was unable to restrain herself from laughing at the entertaining sight. Unfortunately, she then started choking on the water she'd just swallowed.
Janet began coughing profusely. Concerned, Daniel hurriedly stood, trying to see what he could do to help her. After a moment, though, she regained control and gestured for him to sit down again.
"It's okay, Daniel," she said, her hand still at her throat.
"You sure?" he asked worriedly as he slowly lowered himself back into the chair.
"Yes, of course," she answered, smiling at his concern. "You've got a little something..." She trailed off into silence as she reached across the table and wiped his chin clean with her napkin.
"I can handle it," he started, reaching up to grasp her wrist. When he touched her, it was as if a bolt of electricity crackled between them. Surprised, Daniel dropped her hand unceremoniously, and they stared at each other uncertainly.
Suddenly, the intercom crackled to life. "Dr. Fraiser, please report to the infirmary."
"Sorry, I have to go," Janet said hastily. She hurriedly stood up, throwing the remains of her meal into the paper bag.
"Of course," Daniel replied and Janet took off for the exit. He watched her go, observing as she quickly tossed the bag into the trash can before she swept out the door.
Sighing, Daniel turned back to his tray. The partly-eaten sandwich half lay forgotten on the congealing blob of macaroni, but he'd completely lost his appetite.
His mind returned to remembering the feel of Janet's hand beneath his and the electrical tension he had felt between them, and Daniel decided to indulge it for once. He grinned to himself, giddy with excitement, before a wave of uncertainty crashed over him at the possibility that his feelings might not be shared.
Quit being such a pessimist, Jackson, he rebuked sternly, and decided that he would talk to Janet later and see how she felt. After all, even if she didn't feel the same way about him, at least he'd made the effort to find out -- and he certainly didn't want to end up a regretful wreck, who mourned at home all day thinking "I should have done it while I had the chance but I didn't and now I'll never get to."
His mind made up, Daniel got up and gladly dumped his tray into the trash can, depositing it in the designated area as he made his way out the door.
~*~
Daniel sighed as he sat in his office, nursing a lukewarm cup of coffee. Restlessly, he tapped his fingers on the table. He'd been trying to get a hold of Janet all day, since the incident at lunch, but with no luck.
When he'd come to the infirmary, asking to speak with her, he had been not-so-gently thrown out by one of the nurses, who told him that Dr. Fraiser was very busy and that he should come back later if it wasn't an emergency.
Naturally, when he came back two hours later -- he really didn't want to get thrown out again -- she wasn't there, and no one seemed to have any idea where she'd gone. Daniel had looked everywhere for her, even returning to the commissary in case she was there, and now he was just about to give up hope. He sighed and took another sip of coffee.
But even now, as he thought the situation was futile, his mind kept nagging at him. Something about...ugh, what had he been thinking about earlier? Janet, tired...needs to take a break...talk to Sam... That's it! Daniel slapped the table with his hand. Duh, why hadn't he thought of it earlier? Of course, Janet was probably talking to Sam.
Daniel rushed to the door, then noticed the empty coffee mug he still held in his hand. He hesitated for a second and then expertly tossed the cup toward his chair, wincing as it hit the cushioned seat and bounced slightly. Luckily, however, it didn't fall off, and Daniel sped off toward Sam's lab.
~*~
Sam perched on her stool, carefully analyzing a number of complicated mathematical equations. A soft knock at the door diverted her attention from her work, and she sighed in frustration. Putting her pencil down, she called "Come in" as she got up and stretched her arms.
When Janet burst in, her hair in disarray, Sam dropped her arms in shock. "Janet, what's wrong? You look like a mess," she started, hurrying toward her friend.
Janet stared at Sam in surprise. Slowly, realization dawned on her, and she made a vain attempt to straighten her hair and uniform.
"Long day in the infirmary," Janet explained, and Sam nodded. "Are you busy?"
Sam glanced at her notes and then back at Janet. "No, nothing that can't wait. Is there something you need?"
"I just have to talk to somebody about...something," Janet replied vaguely, and alarm bells went off in Sam's head.
"What is it?" she asked, concern automatically filling her tone. Janet hurriedly amended her statement.
"I mean, someone," she clairified, and Sam relaxed.
"Ooh, so that's what this is about. So, who's the lucky guy?" Sam grinned widely.
"Oh, stop it, Sam, you don't have to look so amused," Janet retorted, a smile belying her anger.
"Well, who is it?"
"Promise me you won't make any snide comments," Janet said, and Sam feigned injury.
"Janet, I'm crushed. I can't believe you think that I'd do such a thing," she added, dramatically clutching her heart. Janet gave her a look, and Sam became serious. "Of course, Janet, I won't say anything."
"Well, it's...it's Daniel," Janet said softly, her words almost inaudible.
"Daniel?" Sam wasn't sure she had heard Janet correctly. "As in 'Daniel Jackson,' the archaeologist on SG-1? Daniel who's always getting injured?" she added incredulously. Janet gave her another look. "Sorry, it's just...I never knew you two liked each other."
"That's it exactly, Sam, I don't even know if he likes me or not," Janet said plaintively, running her fingers through her hair.
"Well, when did you figure out that you liked him?" Sam asked.
Janet quickly summarized the events that had happened at lunch. "So what do you think?" she finished. "Am I crazy to be even considering that he's attracted to me?"
"No, of course not," Sam assured her. "Actually, it sounds to me that he definitely likes you -- I mean, you did say it looked like he felt it, too. Maybe you should go talk to him and...see what he says. He's probably just as worried that you're going to reject *him*."
Janet smiled. "Thanks, Sam, you're a great friend." "I'd hold off on saying that just yet, because I am *so* not going to let you get over this!" Sam began, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. In a sing-song voice, she said, "Janet's in looove." Sam smiled widely. Remembering a song that Cassie had learned at school, she added, "Janet and Daniel, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G..."
Janet, however, did not look angry as she proceeded toward the door -- in fact, there was an expression of serene tranquility on her face. After Janet had made her way to the exit, she turned back and grinned wickedly. "Uh, Sam? At least I'm not the one making love-struck doe-eyed faces at my commanding officer..." Janet smirked before sauntering out the door, and she was immensely gratified to see Sam's face suddenly flushed a deep crimson.
~*~
Daniel rounded the corner. He could see Sam's lab up ahead. Jogging to her door, he knocked on the doorframe, and her head shot up, surprised.
"Sam, are you okay?" he asked immediately, noticing her red face. "You look a little flushed..." For some reason he couldn't comprehend, Sam blushed even more, and Daniel stared at her, confused.
"Uh, it's nothing, Daniel," she said hurriedly. She took a deep breath, trying to get the flush out of her cheeks. Looking back at Daniel, she quickly steered the conversation to another topic. "What are you doing here?"
"I was, ah...looking for Janet. Have you seen her?" he inquired with excessive nonchalance, his cheeks slightly red as he asked. Sam hid a smile.
"She just left a minute ago...I think she might have been going back to the infirmary. If you hurry, I'm sure you can catch up to her."
"Ah, thanks, Sam," Daniel answered. He grinned back at her and then turned, hurrying down the corridor.
~*~
Janet strolled down the hallway, humming to herself. She was in a great mood because of Sam's reassurances -- not to mention the fact that she'd gotten the last word -- and she looked forward to finishing her shift in the infirmary soon so that she could go find Daniel and talk to him about what had happened earlier.
Janet was about to enter the infirmary when she heard loud footsteps coming up behind her. Hesitating for a moment, she saw Daniel round the corner. When he caught sight of her, he hurried over.
"Janet! I've been trying to find you all day," he panted, trying to catch his breath.
"Well, I've been pretty busy," she explained, entering the infirmary and moving toward her office in the back. Daniel followed.
"I know. I came here before, but one of your nurses kicked me out."
Janet was unable to suppress a grin. "Sorry about that..." She moved to her desk.
Daniel smiled back. "I guess I should have known that if you were called away, it would only be for an emergency." Unwittingly, Daniel had managed to bring up the earlier events, and Janet decided to seize the opportunity.
"About that, Daniel...I think we need to have a talk." She turned to face him. He looked surprised for an instant, but it quickly faded.
"Okay... In fact, that was why I was coming to see you," he said, wondering if this could mean that she really did like him after all. After a quick moment of thought, he decided not to waste time trying to project and elected instead to focus on what she was actually saying. She motioned to the chair in front of her desk, and he tentatively settled himself into it as she made her way to her own chair.
Janet's head was spinning. At long last, the enormous significance of the outcome of the situation had finally hit her. She sat down, her stomach churning with nervousness, feeling as if an entire swarm of flying insects were on the rampage inside her abdomen.
There was no turning back now. No matter how this ended, she'd have to follow it through to its conclusion, deal with it, and move on; hopefully, with Daniel by her side -- but even if the worst happened, she didn't have the luxury of merely avoiding him for the rest of her life. Janet just hoped that their friendship wouldn't be jeopardized if her feelings weren't returned.
Mentally giving herself a quick thwap, Janet resolved to just get through the situation with as much dignity as she could -- which definitely wasn't happening if her mind kept rambling and Daniel kept sitting in front of her desk, watching her with confusion and wondering if perhaps the chief medical officer of the SGC had somehow lost her mind.
With great effort, Janet looked up from the desk where she'd been staring, and her gaze fell upon two clear blue eyes staring concernedly at her. In an instant, everything she'd planned to tell Daniel flew out of her head. Her mind suddenly void of all coherent thought, Janet grasped for something to say.
"How do you know when you're in love?" she blurted.
Almost instantly, the spontaneous words sped from her mouth to her ears, where they thwapped her upside the head. As her muddled brain finally registered what she had said, she blushed in embarrassment. Trying to save face, she quickly opened her mouth to take the words back, but Daniel cut her off.
"When you can't stop thinking about a person. When a smile from them can make your day infinitely brighter, and seeing them sad makes you feel gloomy, too. When they're always on your mind. When you would do anything to make them happy, even at the cost of your own happiness, and you can't imagine living a day without them... That's when you know." As Daniel finished and fell silent, Janet stared back at him, astonished. Maybe there was hope after all...
"What if I feel all of that?" she asked huskily. Daniel looked at her, speechless. In a measured movement, Janet stood from her chair and moved slowly to the other side of the desk.
As she advanced, her eyes held onto his with a mystical grip, and Daniel watched her progress intently as she approached him. When she finally stood in front of his chair, he moved his gaze up to look at her face, and she continued. "What would I do then?"
Looking away, Daniel refused to meet her eyes. He appeared to be desperately searching for the appropriate response, and Janet stared worriedly at his pensive expression, trying to discern his thoughts.
She hoped that he wouldn't reject her; a small part of her feared that perhaps he didn't have feelings for her after all, and she'd merely misinterpretated what he had said.
Her fears proved to be unfounded, however, when he rose from his chair and looked into her face, staring into her eyes. Reflected in their depths was love, mirrored in her own eyes, and Janet's heart leapt with happiness. Daniel, however, had found what he wanted to say at last.
"Janet..." he started, and she unconsciously held her breath. Moving a hand up to rest on the back of her neck, he continued, "You could do this." With that, he tenderly pulled her head toward him.
Their lips met. Janet's mind was whirling on a merry-go-round of sensation. This was *nothing* like she'd ever imagined...but in a good way. As Daniel's tongue probed gently at her lips, she immediately opened her mouth to allow him entry. Bringing a hand up, she entwined her fingers in his hair, and he reciprocated by deepening the kiss.
Daniel brought his hands to her waist and enfolded her in his arms, and Janet sank willingly into his embrace. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, and they continued to kiss for what seemed like a breathtaking eternity.
Abruptly, the light thud of a folder hitting the ground caused them to pull away instinctively, and Janet peeked over Daniel's shoulder to see none other than Sam Carter, bent over the floor and hastily gathering the documents she had just dropped.
Janet cleared her throat, trying and failing to keep an annoyed expression on her face. As Sam hurriedly finished arranging her papers into a haphazard pile, she stood up, the hint of a smile playing on her lips. Meeting her friend's gaze, Sam grinned and remarked, "I wouldn't be so quick to talk about *other* people's love-struck faces, Janet," before she turned and swept out of the infirmary.
Daniel stared after Sam, obviously perplexed. Shaking her head, Janet turned back to Daniel and responded to his questioning gaze with a small shake of her head. "It's nothing, Daniel... But how would you like to help a certain blonde-haired major find her perfect match?"
Daniel grinned back at her and replied, "Sure, Janet... But first things first: now that I've found *my* match, I plan on making the most of it."
Janet chuckled softly. Winding her fingers through Daniel's tousled hair, she pulled him down toward her as they made the most of the situation.
The End!
Feedback adored, as always. (krepta21@hotmail.com)
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