He had to be near him. What was it about him that he found so compelling? The easy strength, the complete confidence and the usually controlled power. The eyes that could be hard as stone and then soften as he looked at a child. Daniel had never thought that someone like O'Neill would appreciate children but O'Neill did. It was another dimension to him. He stood behind the man and listened to him explain the workings of the inner sanctum. A young rebel that Daniel remembered as Skaara spoke harshly, " How do we know this man speaks the truth? He is a slayer of many of our people." Daniel was stung into defending O'Neill. Didn't the man know what he had risked to come here? What he had given up? "He speaks the truth." "You, dressed like that. How can we trust you? Lap dog to the First Prime." Skaara glared at him, disgust clear in his eyes. Daniel stepped back, unsure what to say. The boy had touched on something Daniel had mixed feelings about. O'Neill growled and stared at the young rebel. "You are an idiot. Daniel brings you information that will help you overthrow Ra and all you do is insult him... Fool. You say what you wish about me, but recognise good information when it is given." He indicated the map. "This is a true copy of Ra's stronghold and if you have spies anywhere at all, let's hope they are less stupid then you. They have no doubt given you some of this information." O'Neill glared at Skaara who eventually looked away furious but chastened. Kasuf one of the rebel leaders looked at O'Neill with a slight smile, "Indeed we know that much of this is true and we appreciate your help. We are merely surprised by it." O'Neill looked at Daniel and said softly, "I heard a compelling argument." Daniel felt a warm glow inside and then looked at his feet embarrassed, why did O'Neill's regard mean so much to him? "Daniel has a convincing air about him and the stories he tells us are useful." "Thank you Kasuf." Daniel finally found his voice and added after a pause, "I would like to change." He suddenly felt incredibly exposed. Sha're showed Daniel to one of the tents, and left him some clothes. Daniel's hands lingered on the soft material as he eased himself out of the tight fitting outfit. He laid the clothes gently on the floor, folding them neatly and then shrugged himself into the rougher, more useful clothing and felt suddenly safer but like he'd lost something as well. The conflicting emotions annoyed him and then he realised someone was watching him. He looked up, and flushed as he saw Sha're watching him with wide eyes, and a slight smile on her face. She moved toward him, almost cat-like in her walk and said huskily, "You have an attractive body Daniel." She gently caressed his cheek. Daniel swallowed hard and found he couldn't talk, he rubbed his nose, stepped away from her, and looked anywhere except at her. "Ahh Sha're.. I ahh.. don't think we...." He hated how weak his voice sounded. She was a beautiful woman and he was unattached, but his feelings for O'Neill were complicated. He sighed as he thought of the Jaffa, a smile touching his lips.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The confrontation had left a nasty taste in O'Neill's mouth, he didn't want to make this any harder than he had to but Skaara was an idiot. Thankfully Kasuf seemed sensible. O'Neill had needed a break from the tension in the tent and had left the rebels to finish looking at the map, knowing they'd call him if they wanted anything. He hoped they wouldn't send Skaara, the boy was irritating and O'Neill knew he couldn't hold onto his temper too long with the boy around. Wandering through the tents that made up the rebel camp, he heard voices, one he recognised as Daniel. He wanted to see if the young man was all right, he'd looked uncomfortable as he'd left. What he saw, stunned him more than felt comfortable with. Daniel and a woman were locked in a kiss, one that looked pretty passionate. How could he have been so wrong? Before they'd come here hed almost convinced himself the ex slave felt something for him. He growled and then walked off, leaving them to their little secret. He was furious. Damn slave, I've thrown my life away for nothing. O'Neill knew that he couldn't go back and he also knew he would never truly be welcome here.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Daniel pulled away from Sha're breathing heavily, his heart pounding. "We can't do this... Sha're looked angry, her face pinched into a scowl, marring her features. "This is about him isn't it ?" "No, it isn't. I hardly know you. What would your family say?" It wasn't a complete lie, he was unnerved by Sha're's forwardness and unsure of her motives. "Coward. My brother was right. If you change your mind, I will be waiting." She almost spat the words at him, but took the edge of them with a gentle caress on Daniel's cheek before she stalked out. Daniel let go of the breath he'd been holding and sighed a little, not sure whether in relief or something else. He had to find O'Neill; they had things to talk about. The jaffa was hard to track down and the people Daniel spoke to were unhelpful or really didn't know. Occasionally Daniel suspected the former. Finally Daniel tracked him down, in a tent on the outer rim of the camp. O'Neill's eyes were closed, but as Daniel entered he opened them and stared at him. "O'Neill, I've been looking for you everywhere." The ex first prime didn't speak, merely stood gracefully and watched him. Daniel flinched at the look on his face. He looked as if he'd been carved from stone. Cold, hard and unfeeling, the emotion that had so recently warmed Daniel was absent. Finally he spoke and his voice mirrored his face, "You've found me." Daniel shivered, not really understanding what had happened, they'd been fine when Daniel had left to change. He asked softly his voice a little shaky, "O'Neill, What's wrong?" "I appear to have made an error of judgement." Daniel's mind went blank as he tried to think what he'd done for O'Neill to be so angry. Was it Sha're? Had he seen him kiss Sha're? "I should never have trusted you." Daniel was angry. What did him kissing Sha're have to do with trust? They had no claim on each other and he could be with whom he wanted. Unless, there was something else, something more between them as he'd hoped. But how would he get the jaffa to admit to it now? He took a deep breath to keep calm and control his temper. "Why don't you trust me anymore?" O'Neill looked at Daniel and shook his head. "You're just not what I expected Daniel." O'Neill's voice was annoyingly smug, and grated on Daniel's frayed nerves, and he lost the hold on his temper. He raised his voice, almost shouting at the man. All the frustration he felt at him, all the uncertainty with this situation came out. "Just what did you expect O'Neill? A submissive slave who remained forever grateful?" O'Neill stepped back as if Daniel had hit him, and then said his own voice harsh, "If that's what I'd wanted I could have made sure of it the first time you walked into my life." "And how exactly would do you think you would have done that?" Daniel shut up as he realised the implication of what he'd just asked. He felt sick. There was a heavy silence in the tent as the reminder of just what O'Neill had been, hung between them. O'Neill finally broke it, his voice flat. "If you loathe me so much, go back to that woman. You seem well suited." Daniel clenched his fists and glared at O'Neill and thought then that this was all they would be to each other. Antagonists. He walked out with a hissed, "At least she isn't as pig headed and ignorant as you O'Neill."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sha're had no sooner left the tent, leaving Daniel behind in a flurry of robes, than her arm was seized in a strong grip. She did not resist as she was pulled along, knowing without even looking who it would be. "What is it?" she asked imperiously, her dark eyes blazing at the man. "What were you doing in there?" the man snapped back. "You are betrothed to me, Sha're, never forget that!" With a wince of pain, Sha're pulled her arm free of the man's grip. "We may be betrothed, Yavin," she replied, "but we are not yet married. Do not think to order me..." Seeing that this approach was not working, Yavin frowned, then tried another. "Then will you not accept this gift from me, my beloved?" With a flourish, Yavin pulled out a small, fabric-wrapped package from the depths of his robes. Sha're paused, as if considering. "It is a gift fit for a princess..." "Indeed?" Sha're asked, intrigued. Yavin nodded, extending the package towards her, his gesture resembling nothing more than someone offering meat to a starving animal, as if careful to retain his fingers afterwards. Sha're took the package from him, weighing it silently in her hand for a moment before she opened it. Inside the material, a golden chain glimmered, and Sha're's fingers were drawn to caress its shiny surface. Picking up the chain, she examined it carefully, noting the pendant through which it looped, frowning slightly at the markings on its surface. "This is the mark of Ra," she said, her tone full of disapproval. "As I said, a gift fit for a princess." Yavin waited, heart in his mouth as Sha're considered whether to accept his gift. After what seemed the longest moment of his life, she nodded, her fingers taking up the necklace and her head bowing to accept it. With a small smile, Yavin watched his betrothed put on his gift, then turn and walk away without looking back at him. "Have you done as I asked?" a voice inquired from the shadows cast by a nearby tent. "I have." "They will come?" "How could they not?" Yavin replied, his eyes still intent on Sha're's back, watching until she turned a corner out of sight. "But I don't understand why..." "Because this way we both get what we want," the watcher replied, taking a step towards Yavin and out of the shadows. "You get my sister, before that newcomer enchants her further," Skaara continued, "and I get revenge on the Jaffa for embarrassing me in front of my father..."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It was a hollow victory, Daniel realised, even as he turned away from the other man. His words had been hasty, chosen for their power to hurt - in reality, he had no intention of returning to Sha're, even if he had known where to find her. He had thought that the Jaffa was mellowing towards him, that his former scorn might some time soon be replaced by respect, or maybe even friendship? But no, Daniel knew that hope now for the falsehood that it was. There could never surely be anything between them, their lives were too different for such a chasm ever to be bridged. So why did he feel as though his own heart had been ripped out? Daniel had wanted to hurt O'Neill, to punish him for not trusting, but it seemed as though the only person who was suffering was him. The last he had seen of the Jaffa, that familiar inscrutable expression was firmly in place, leaving Daniel still feeling as though he was bleeding inside. What could he do now? The only thing that meant anything to him now was knowledge, so that must be his only companion. At least then he would not have to fear betrayal or misunderstandings, and for the first time in his life he would be safe...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
O'Neill tried to achieve kel no reem, his body relaxing into the familiar posture even as his mind raced and whirled. He had destroyed himself, as surely as if he had committed ritual suicide, taking his own blade to himself when he was no longer able to serve his god. The jaffa shook his head, rejecting that thought. I was a fool, he thought. And now I must pay a fool's price, for trusting that slave. But what then? He had no idea what to do next. It was as though he had thrown himself from a cliff, trusting to the air to hold his weight when he should have known better. What had he been thinking, turning his back on everything he had ever known to follow Daniel's persuasive words? O'Neill took another deep breath and tried to centre himself once more. He had made a mistake, one which might prove fatal once Ra's Guards caught up with him, so now he should only think of himself, planning for what little time he might have left. At least no-one else would suffer with him. So why was it that every time he tried to achieve the much-needed trance state he saw Daniel's stricken face? Every instinct cried out to O'Neill that he had been made a fool of, that he should hunt that slave down and destroy him for what he had dared to do. So why was the shocked emotion of Daniel's eyes all that he could focus on? O'Neill sighed, taking another deep breath.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"You seem troubled, Daniel." Daniel looked up at the words, straight into the wise face of Kasuf. The older man's eyes sparkled with life, even though that life had surely been a hard one. There was a fire inside him that Daniel envied at that moment, weighed down as he was with guilt and indecision. "I..." Where should he start? What could he say to this man to explain what had happened in the past few hours, the way his universe had been turned upside down by a simple misunderstanding and a lack of trust? "It is good that you are here," Kasuf continued, "you and the Jaffa. We can learn much from both of you to aid our fight against the false god." Daniel looked down, unwilling to shake Kasuf's simple trust by telling him that O'Neill would doubtless leave now, taking that hard-won knowledge with him. But how could he lie? He had to tell Kasuf the truth, and trust to what little he knew of the other man that he would not be an outcast here as he had been with his own people. "Good father!" It was Skaara's voice, shattering Daniel's resolve. The younger man burst into view from between the tents, skidding to a halt as he saw Kasuf, his eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of Daniel sitting nearby. "Good father," he panted, his head bowed as he tried to catch his breath. "We are betrayed! The false god's Guards are on their way to take us all..." "What?" Kasuf snapped, the calmness of his manner replaced by an alertness. "How could that be? No-one knows we are here..." "He knew." Skaara spat out the words, his eyes blazing at Daniel. "And the Jaffa." "That's ridiculous!" Daniel's voice was swamped by the panic of those nearby, even as his body was buffeted by the inhabitants of the tents as they rushed to and fro, gathering what little they could carry before making their escape. "You can't believe that O'Neill or I..." "There is no time for this now, Daniel," Kasuf said abruptly, turning back to him for a moment from his orchestration of the group's leaving. "But be assured I will know who betrayed us!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
They had taken him by surprise, bursting into the tent where he was seeking tranquility and binding his hands behind him before O'Neill had been able to rouse himself to his own defense. He did not struggle, knowing there was nothing he could do at the moment, and not wanting to ostracise the people who held his life in such a tenuous balance - the Jaffa could see the hatred and mistrust lurking so near to the surface in the men who surrounded him, and he would not give them the pleasure of an excuse to strike him down. If they needed an excuse, that was. There was a coldness there in the eyes of those who surrounded him that made O'Neill shiver slightly, despite the almost oppressive heat of the desert, a coldness that had nothing to do with the climate. He glanced around, hoping but also fearing to see Daniel there. Would he see the same coldness in the younger man's eyes now, a coldness that O'Neill knew he would be responsible for? Without a word being spoken, the Jaffa was dragged from the tent which he had made his sanctuary, half-carried by the press of bodies surrounding him, out into the sunshine.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Kasuf..." Daniel pleaded. There was a servile tone to his voice that he despised, but as a supplicant to the leader of the resistance, Daniel knew he had no choice. "Kasuf, we are both innocent, you have to believe that..." Kasuf turned from his directing of the camp's evacuation to cast sympathetic eyes at Daniel. "I believe you to be what you claim," he said, "but how can we be sure of the Jaffa?" "He has risked as much as I have," Daniel said, "if not more." He hesitated, suddenly unsure if his words were helping matters any. "I owe him my life," he continued simply. "Then you feel an obligation towards him?" "Yes... No... It's more than that. He defied his god to come here." "And if he had another motivation for his actions?" Kasuf pressed, his eyes darkening with emotion. Daniel shook his head. He had never considered the possibility. Could Kasuf be right? Could he have used Daniel, made him believe that he owed him his life, when all along he was just a puppet in O'Neill's schemes? "No." Daniel's voice shook slightly. "No." This time the words were more certain. "You have your doubts," Kasuf said, "and I have mine. That is all there is time for now. Later, when we are safe once more, then we will see what is truth and what is not..."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The next few hours blurred into one. The members of the resistance were only able to take what they could carry, melting away into the hills surrounding the encampment like shadows, moving in different directions to evade their pursuers. Daniel had been with Kasuf, waiting till the last of the small group was ready to leave, certain all along that he could hear the approaching Guards. All he could think of was capture, and what would be his inevitable fate - he had been lucky to escape them once and knew that this would not be repeated. And this time, there would be no First Prime to save him. What would happen to O'Neill if they were caught? As terrible as his own fate might be, Daniel knew that the fate that awaited one who had betrayed a god would likely be unimaginably worse. He had heard that Ra had some device that allowed him to heal those who had his favour - could that be used to prolong the torment of one who had been a traitor? A cold feeling gripped Daniel's heart. Even as angry as he was with O'Neill, even with the way the Jaffa's callous words had struck at him, he could not wish such a fate on anyone. With a guilty start, Daniel realised he had not thought for a moment about Sha're since he had known they were under attack. He wondered if that proved anything, that his thoughts were of another altogether, someone he was less willing to think of...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Firelight flickered on the walls of the cave, even crowded as it was with those members of the resistance movement who had gathered there, waiting to hear their leader speak. Fitful muttering turned to silence as Kasuf stood. "Bring forth the Jaffa." From where he was standing, Daniel could see without being seen, the shadows of an overhanging shelf of rock hiding him from Kasuf and those who stood with him. He had an unobstructed view of the doorway, however, and found his breath caught as he saw O'Neill for the first time since the evacuation of the camp. The Jaffa was led into the cave, his hands bound behind him, his carriage upright and proud. His eyes went straight to Kasuf as he entered, his dark gaze defiant in its directness. Daniel pulled back further into the shadows, his emotions churning. He wanted to cry out at the injustice, that they were both innocent, but feared that this would only lead to being dragged into the centre of the gathering alongside the Jaffa. While one of them was free, he reasoned, there was a chance to prove their innocence - sharing O'Neill's imprisonment would be a futile gesture at best. Could he bear himself with such dignity before those assembled there? On reflection, Daniel knew that was unlikely. "Daniel claims that you are innocent, Jaffa," Kasuf said, his eyes clearly searching out the hidden man. O'Neill said nothing, his back ram-rod straight, eyes still firmly locked on Kasuf. The older man seemed to move uneasily under the strength of that gaze, shifting slightly before speaking once more. "Have you no words to say in your defence?" Kasuf asked, frowning now. "You have already decided my guilt," O'Neill snapped, pausing as those surrounding him muttered over the tone of his voice. A swift glance from Kasuf silenced them. "What could I say that would convince you?" "His guilt is clear!" a voice called from the midst of the crowd. The people surrounding O'Neill parted slightly, allowing Skaara to pass through. "Good father, how long must we tolerate this treachery?" "Patience, my son," Kasuf replied. "Are we safe, even here?" Skaara continued, turning to the crowd. A few of those surrounding him nodded, jostling the Jaffa where he stood in their midst. "If no proof of your innocence is brought forth before nightfall tomorrow," Kasuf continued, glossing over the words of his son as if Skaara had never spoken, "then you must pay the price. Our cause is too important to risk." Daniel, from his vantage point, thought he saw O'Neill stiffen as this sentence was pronounced, but the flickering light hid the Jaffa's expression.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
He had expected no mercy and received none. O'Neill had hoped, somehow, vainly, for reprieve. He had hoped that the voice of reason would prevail, futile though he knew that hope to be. And he had hoped to see Daniel. Where was he? Why had he not spoken up? The only evidence the Jaffa had that Daniel believed he was innocent had come in the words of Kasuf, rather than the eloquent words of the former slave. Those words, that voice, had convinced him to turn his back on a lifetime's service, and O'Neill had believed that they alone would be powerful enough to secure his freedom. Instead of which, he was imprisoned once more. O'Neill stumbled slightly as he was shoved into the small cave in which he suspected he would spend his final night alive. The looks in the eyes of those who were his guards told him all he needed to know, making him brace himself for the blows as they fell. He saw the darkness in their eyes, the pain that he and Ra's guards had caused them, knowing each blow was a child orphaned, a house destroyed, a family torn apart. How could he defend himself, even were he not bound?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Kasuf." "Do not ask me to do something I cannot," Kasuf replied, without looking round. "You know we are innocent." Daniel's voice was firm, full of conviction. "Proof is what I need, Daniel." "Proof of what? Our innocence? Guilt is far easier to prove," Daniel persisted, as the older man turned to face him, finally. "You know that." "I am the leader of those for whom the truth that they lived by has so long been a lie," Kasuf said. "You must forgive them for doubting, you of all people." "I know it seems unlikely," Daniel said, "but I believe O'Neill. And I can't explain it." "And that can never be enough." Daniel sighed, shaking his head. "You know how important it is, Daniel, that we trust one another, all of us." "Important enough that you would kill the innocent as well as the guilty?" "Important enough," Kasuf replied, "that I would give everything I have, do whatever I must." "Then how are you different from Ra?" Daniel asked, watching Kasuf's face intently. "How can we defeat his lies if we are the same as he is?" "You can't help him, Daniel." Kasuf's voice was sharp. "Do not endanger yourself on his behalf." "I have to see him, Kasuf. Maybe together we can think of a way to prove O'Neill innocent." Kasuf paused, his eyes measuring Daniel's intent, considering, weighing, before making a decision. "Very well," he replied, after a moment's silence. "But you must not free him. He is too dangerous. I must have your word on it." Daniel nodded, tersely.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It had not been as bad as he feared. There was malice in the blows, anger and a cold hatred, none of which could come as any surprise to one who had been in the service of Ra for any length of time. But even now, O'Neill could feel his symbiote begin to heal him, ironically enough it was likely that he would be well again in time for his own execution. Somehow, even as each blow had fallen, even as he had been unable to defend himself, O'Neill had expected to hear Daniel's voice. How could he possibly be relying on another in such a way? And where was Daniel anyway? O'Neill sighed, sucking in a breath as the slight movement of his body sent a shooting pain through his back. He had seen the way that woman, Sha're had looked at Daniel, an echo of his own feelings made flesh in the expression on her face. And in that moment he had hated and envied her in equal measure. Was that where Daniel was now? With her? Unbidden his mind supplied him with vivid images, each more painful than the last. Daniel kissing the woman, Sha're, his long fingers entangled in her hair. The two of them falling together, clothes vanishing as agile hands worked in unison, soulful moans breaking the silence. Daniel's back, beaded with sweat, strong muscles flexing. Breathing deeply, O'Neill suppressed the cry of longing and envy that ripped through him, shredding his emotions in its wake. So, when the darkness came, he welcomed it, longing for the oblivion it offered.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Daniel's way had been barred at first by those guarding the Jaffa - they had been initially unconvinced by his statement that Kasuf had allowed him to visit O'Neill in captivity and it had taken all Daniel's eloquence to change their minds and allow him past. It took a moment for Daniel's eyes to adjust to the dimness of the small cave, even from the flickering light of the torches in the tunnels surrounding them. A longer moment passed before he realised that the darkness that covered part of O'Neill's face was blood. Daniel reached out a tentative hand towards it, his fingers feeling the slick warmth that had soaked into the rough fabric of the Jaffa robes. If Daniel had ever thought he was angry before, that was nothing to the fury that ripped through him now. He had brought O'Neill with him, straight into the midst of those who had hurt him now, heedless of the danger to both of them. Was he as responsible as those who had inflicted these injuries? He was thankful that the Jaffa was unconscious, even as guilt crept over him. How could the other man trust him now? After all that he had given up, by joining the resistance, and this was the thanks he received? Getting up from where he had been crouched by O'Neill, Daniel stalked over to the guard, barely holding back the anger that he so wanted to unleash. This man would have been one of those who had beaten the Jaffa, Daniel knew that, but there was nothing he could do. "Get me some water," he snapped, the words brittle with rage. Daniel saw the man's eyes widen at the tone of his voice, but carried on heedless of the danger. "What? Do you think he needs to be guarded now, after you've beaten him so badly he's unconscious?" A slight smirk crept across the face of the guard, before he turned, leaving the two men alone. He returned after a few moments with a pottery bowl and a rough cloth, both of which he almost slapped into Daniel's hands, before leaving the cave once more. Daniel took a deep breath, feeling some of the anger leave him as he turned back to where O'Neill still lay. Crouching down, Daniel placed the bowl carefully beside him, using the dampened cloth to wipe away the blood drying on the Jaffa's face. As he removed the traces of the beating O'Neill had endured, Daniel wondered what other injuries the Jaffa's robes covered, hesitating for a moment before he began to look. Pushing back the rough fabric, feeling it move slowly against the other man's skin, it took a moment before he realised he was being observed once more. O'Neill's eyes were opened, clouded though they were with pain, dark and unreadable. Steeling himself, Daniel continued his examination, hesitating for a moment as he reached the Jaffa's pouch, his hand hovering over the X-shaped entrance. His fingertips brushed the sensitive skin, eliciting a gasp from O'Neill, his eyes narrowing in uncertainty and suspicion. "What...?" "Who did this to you?" Daniel asked, his voice more harsh than he wanted. He was angry with those responsible, not with O'Neill, but he could hear the emotion in his voice all the same. Daniel saw the response, the almost palpable drawing back of the Jaffa, and regretted his words immediately. His anger was ebbing as swiftly as it had come. He wanted nothing more than to make everything right again, to free this man he had hoped considered him an equal, if not a friend. But his vow to Kasuf bound him as surely as the ropes bound O'Neill. "Why should you care?" O'Neill rasped. The other side of his face, the side that had been hidden from Daniel before, was bruised and dusty, and Daniel reached out with the cloth once more, even though the Jaffa flinched away from him. "Let me help you, or are you too proud to accept the assistance of a slave?" As he had hoped, those words stilled O'Neill's movement, his back stiffening with pride as he accepted Daniel's attentions. Something surged inside Daniel, something protective, nurturing, and he felt his hand shake slightly. O'Neill's eyes, which had been focussed on the wall behind him, snapped back to Daniel then, still unreadable. "I'm sorry," Daniel said quietly. The Jaffa frowned, clearly puzzled by the change of topic. "I thought I imagined you being here," O'Neill said, the words falling into the awkward silence that had fallen between the two men. Suddenly it was all clear to Daniel, all those emotions he had tried so hard to deny. He had given his word to Kasuf that he would not free O'Neill, but that did not mean he could not comfort him, that he could not react instinctively to the emotions he saw in the dark eyes facing him. Before he could change his mind, reconsider the inherent foolishness of his actions, Daniel acted, leaning over the Jaffa. A surprised expression, surely one of the most open he had seen, crossed O'Neill's face before Daniel was kissing him, his hands wrapped in the fabric of the robes. When he pulled back, after what had seemed like the longest moment of his life, Daniel had felt O'Neill begin to respond, struggling a little against his bonds. "Untie me," he muttered. "I can't." "What?" O'Neill snapped. "I told Kasuf..." O'Neill sighed, pulling back slightly from where Daniel's hands still gripped his robes. "Daniel," O'Neill began, his voice quiet. "Daniel, we don't have much time." "You think I don't know that?" Daniel snapped. "Then help me." "I can't. Not like that." With each word, Daniel felt his own frustration rise, mirroring the annoyance he could see building up within O'Neill. "I promised Kasuf. And I promise you I'll get you out of here."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
O'Neill looked at Daniel's face and felt his throat unexpectedly tighten despite his anger and frustration at his helplessness and Daniel's stubbornness. There was so much determination and passion in Daniel's face and it was all for him. It had been so long since he'd had anyone care that much for him, it felt like the beginning of a new life. This man wanted him, believed in him and it had nothing to do with the Jaffa's position in life, it was in fact in spite of it. He had no choice but to trust this man and somehow O'Neill had never felt his life was in safer hands. He couldn't say any of this so unaccustomed to expressing how he was feeling. O'Neill made his body relax and said softly, "I know you will." Daniel's face relaxed into surprise at the unexpected expression of trust and the atmosphere between them although still charged was suddenly of a different intensity. Daniel stood, obviously reluctant to leave and O'Neill resisted the temptation to growl at him. The memory of the kiss and the need for more was frustrating. Before either could say anything more voices in the caves made Daniel's decision for him and with a regretful look back he left. O'Neill heard his footsteps echo and was left suddenly bereft. He strained to hear the voices, struggling to move closer to them and recognised who Daniel was talking to, the woman Sha're. O'Neill was stopped cold at the almost seductive tone of Daniel's voice - for the briefest of moments he wondered whether he had been played for a fool. Had this been some game Daniel was playing? Then the Jaffa realised what was going on and fear for Daniel replaced his anger and he listened intently. "Yes I've been to see him. I understand now he's not the man I thought he was." O'Neill struggled at his bonds and swore in all the languages he knew. Damn the man. Here he was stuck in a cave, tied and helpless, and the idiot was playing a dangerous game. He hoped Daniel knew what he was doing. Sha're's voice was silken and smug and O'Neill gritted his teeth, grinding them together painfully. "Are you ready to take me up on my offer?" The voices faded and O'Neill could no longer hear them. Bruises forgotten in the rush of emotion began to ache, and he felt suddenly weary. His fate was out of his hands; all he could do was wait.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Daniel walked away from the caves with Sha're hanging onto his arm like she belonged there. He felt uncomfortable and had to fight the urge to pull away from her. But he needed to convince her that he was serious about not believing in O'Neill. She was the one thing he had in his favour and as much as he hated using another person Daniel felt he had little choice. He wasn't really paying attention to exactly where they were going, his mind still back in the cave with O'Neill. It wasn't until she said softly, "We're here," that Daniel took notice of his surroundings once more. They were outside the entrance to a cave that was set someway from the main settlement. The predatory look on Sha're's face left him in no doubt about what she intended. Daniel suddenly realised what he'd got himself into. When he'd run into her outside the cave he'd not really thought through what he was going to do. Sha're tugged on his arm trying to get his attention, and for a brief moment she looked suspicious until Daniel, mentally apologising to both Sha're and O'Neill, kissed her, then let himself be led into the cave. The lights from several candles flickered on the walls and a blanket lay in one corner. Sha're stood in the light and began to strip slowly, her eyes focused on Daniel, her body moving seductively toward him. Daniel found he was undeniably attracted to her, and hated himself for his weakness as his body began to respond. The flickering light highlighted Sha're's skin as she moved toward Daniel, and his eyes fell onto her neck. His gaze moved downward, his resolve faltering. Something triggered in Daniel's head as his eyes fell on the necklace, suddenly bright in the candlelight. He recognised it instantly, The Eye of Ra. His arousal was suddenly forgotten. How was it she had this, was she the one responsible for O'Neill's situation? Anger briefly overwhelmed him and Sha're stepped back at the look on his face. "Daniel?" Daniel forced himself to not to shout at her. "Sha're where did you get that necklace?" Sha're's hand went to her throat and she gasped and backed away slowly. Daniel put his hand to her shoulder, careful not to hurt her but tightly enough to stop her. "Yavin.." She blurted out the name and Daniel couldn't place it. He glared at Sha're and she flinched under his gaze, uncertain of his anger. Daniel took a deep breath and released his hold on her, stepping back to give them both some breathing space. He forced his voice to stay calm and said softly, "Get dressed Sha're. I think we need to talk." Sha're sat staring at Daniel once she had dressed, her face watchful. Daniel regretted his burst of anger but he was calm now and under control, certain he had the means to prove O'Neill innocent. "What did you want to talk about, Daniel?" Sha're asked. Daniel nodded at the necklace and said, "That. Where did you get it from? It's an unusual thing for the daughter of a resistance leader to have." Daniel could see Sha're flush even in the dim light and her hand went briefly to her neck. "Yavin gave it to me, he wants me as his wife." Daniel then placed the man, young and handsome with a sour look on his face whenever Daniel was around, and obviously a friend of Skaara's as they were often together. Things began to add up for Daniel then. He saw Skaara's hand in this. But would Kasuf believe a stranger over his own son? Daniel hoped so, but they would be no worse off if he didn't. O'Neill would still die. "We must show your father this necklace," he said. "Why? It is mine." "This could prove the jaffa's innocence, and find out the real traitor." "Him again? It is always him. I refuse." "You would willingly have an innocent man die rather than speak up?" Sha're flinched from the disgust and shock in Daniel's voice and face and then nodded reluctantly.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Daniel had begged for an audience with Kasuf, pleading with Sha're to help him. For whatever reason, maybe because she still believed she had a chance with Daniel, she had agreed. Kasuf listened with interest to what Daniel and Sha're had to say and looked at the necklace carefully. "You wish me to believe that my son who has been taught to fight Ra since he was 5 years old would betray us? You ask that I believe in his guilt over that of a man who was Ra's second?" Daniel sighed and studied his hands; he wasn't going to get anywhere with Kasuf, he saw that now. "I only want you to consider it." Kasuf nodded at them, and Daniel took it as a dismissal. Daniel was left with no other option but to confront Skaara. What he was going to confront him with was something he wasn't sure of.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
O'Neill sighed as he felt strong calloused warm hands caress his face. He opened his eyes and looked up into warm blue eyes, darkened with passion. He tried to touch Daniel but found his hands were still tied and he groaned with frustration. Daniel only smiled and put his hands under O'Neill's robes baring the pouch. O'Neill froze, suddenly worried that the pouch would disgust Daniel. His fear was put to rest as Daniel's hands caressed the sensitive area. The touch was feather light and tormenting but the sensations it produced in his groin made him groan with need. As the touch became more insistent, more intense O'Neill thrust upwards to meet Daniel, who held him gently restricting his movement. "Daniel... I..." A sudden sharp pain woke O'Neill up and he realised with a frustrated whimper that it had been a dream. He'd loosened the ropes in his restless sleep and some circulation was returning. The Jaffa wondered how much time had passed and if Daniel was safe. The pain was receding and he savoured the memory of the dream. O'Neill hoped he'd see Daniel before he died, if only to know that the other man, at least, was safe.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Daniel walked quickly through the quiet camp. He received a few nods of acknowledgement and there were a few whispers, suspicion about him was widespread. He found Skaara lurking outside the perimeter of the camp. He jumped at Daniel's approach and then sneered. "Well, if it isn't the lap dog..." "Yavin's told me everything." Daniel wasted no time in preliminaries because he was aware of the short time he had left to prove O'Neill innocent. Besides that, he was keen to wipe the smug grin off the young rebel's face. How could he have realised that O'Neill would have an influence in his life in so many ways? Skaara looked at him. "Told you what? There is nothing to tell." "Only that the necklace that Yavin gave Sha're was a gift from Ra to you for betraying your own people." Skaara's face lost some of its certainty. "You can't prove any of this. O'Neill is still the main suspect." "I'll just spread the rumour round camp, how I saw you talking to a strange man hours before the attack." "No one will believe you." "Can you be sure?" Daniel wasn't sure he should be enjoying this as much as he was, but he would think about that later, when O'Neill was safe. "You can't prove any of this, it is Yavin and your voice against mine, why should my father believe you?" "Because I have the necklace and Sha're's words." Daniel saw panic briefly flit over Skaara's face, he was clearly uncertain what Sha're might say about this and it showed. Daniel smiled at Skaara and then walked away without a glance. His heart was beating wildly and his hands were clammy, Daniel realised after a moment. Sweat was dripping down his back and his breathing was heavy, he couldn't believe he'd been so calm.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I have your proof, Kasuf," Daniel blurted out. "Or I will do, very soon." The sceptical look that Kasuf aimed at him was clear - he would need much convincing that his son, rather than O'Neill, was responsible for Ra's guards finding them. "Indeed?" "But I need your help," Daniel continued, trying not to let Kasuf's disbelief sway him. He knew that Skaara was guilty, and all that was left now was to prove it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The two men had waited, in silence, outside Sha're's quarters for the best part of an hour. All whispered conversation between them had long since ceased, and Daniel could hear Kasuf beginning to grow restless, losing patience with whatever Daniel had planned. Just a little longer, Daniel thought desperately. They had seen Yavin come to visit Sha're, once more coming to court her, and Daniel hoped that Skaara would know this was the other man's routine. Every so often they could hear snatches of the quiet conversation that came from within, a muted laugh, the occasional word. It had not been that long ago, Daniel realised, that he had allowed himself to be led there, even though he had only done it to try and save O'Neill. He pushed down the thought of how his body had almost betrayed him, how close he had come to going from kissing O'Neill to doing more than that with Sha're. A thought struck him then, as he listened to the sounds being amplified and distorted by the corridor in which they stood: when he had left O'Neill and gone with Sha're, how much had the Jaffa heard? Had he, so used to treachery and betrayal through his service of the false god, believed that Daniel was yet another who said one thing only to mean another? "Daniel," Kasuf began, his quiet voice breaking into Daniel's increasingly worried thoughts. Just as he spoke, there was a sound of movement, quiet footsteps approaching. Daniel shrank back into the small crevice that concealed them, indicating that Kasuf should do the same - with a tolerant sigh, Kasuf did so. A slightly built figure approached, their cloak pulled up to conceal their face. It was only as they reached the doorway that they paused, turning slightly to check for others, that the cloak fell away slightly, revealing a familiar face. Daniel felt a sigh of relief building within him. It was Skaara.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It took only a short time for Kasuf to become enraged with what he heard, as Skaara berated a bemused Yavin about his treachery. Daniel was forced to grip the older man's arm to restrain him from confronting his son, whispering what he hoped were calming words as he did so. Finally, after what seemed like hours, when the confrontation within the cave had run its course and Skaara had stormed off, presumably in search of Daniel, Kasuf had shaken off Daniel's grip and emerged from the crevice. For the first time since they had met, Kasuf seemed old, Daniel realised. It was as if the weight of his age, the things he had experienced in his fight against Ra, had all come upon him at once. His head was bowed for a moment, before he turned back to where Daniel stood. "We should go, Daniel," Kasuf said, sadly, "and free your friend." It was all Daniel could do not to break into a run, go charging through the corridors until he reached the place where O'Neill was being held. That he was able to walk alongside Kasuf, even nod to the guard and listen to the words that Kasuf spoke quietly to him, was a testament to his self-control. Kasuf, in turn nodded as he walked away, leaving Daniel alone in the doorway. Suddenly almost afraid, Daniel hesitated for a moment. From where he was standing, he could make out the huddled shape that was O'Neill, as the Jaffa lay at the side of the small cave. Taking a breath to steady his nerves, Daniel moved towards him, circling round slightly so that he did not take the other man by surprise. Drawing closer, Daniel saw that his caution, his concern not to startle O'Neill had been wasted. The Jaffa was asleep, his usually stern face relaxed in rest, even though his arms were still bound. Squatting, Daniel watched over him for a moment, his finger reaching tentatively to trace the gold mark of Ra that adorned O'Neill's brow, feeling its unexpected coolness. As he had anticipated, the slight touch woke O'Neill, whose eyes snapped open. When he saw who was nearby, they softened, and O'Neill spoke, his voice husky from sleep. "Daniel," he said, in a voice that suggested he was unsure whether he was still dreaming. "O'Neill," Daniel said, "I'm here to free you, like I promised."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
He had been dreaming, not the intense heat of Daniel's touch this time, but a more languid one. A gentle caress, the lightest of touches on his skin, but making him writhe beneath it as surely as before, Daniel leaning over him with a smile that was full of knowing and something else, something he found hard to describe... Then suddenly he was awake, unsure whether he had dreamt that touch after all, someone crouched nearby. Stiffening, for a moment, until he realised that it was Daniel. Daniel come to keep his promise, come to release him. O'Neill let out a breath, hearing the croaking of his voice as he spoke the other man's name. Sure hands pulled at the ropes that bound him, long fingers tugging at the knots until they gave way. And all he could see was Daniel, a slight frown of concentration on his forehead as he wrestled with a difficult knot, his lower lip gripped lightly between his teeth in thought and persistence. O'Neill gasped as the ropes finally fell free, the blood rushing in painful floods into his hands once more. Daniel's hands were strong on his arms, pulling him into a sitting position, before they moved to massage his wrists, long supple fingers helping to rub away the aches of confinement. "How did you persuade Kasuf?" O'Neill asked, in a desperate attempt to remind himself of his recent captivity. All he could think of was his dream, the way that the dream-Daniel had touched him, the way those same fingers had driven him beyond what he had ever truly expected to receive from the other man. Daniel's head was bowed still, all his attention focussed on the movement of his hands. O'Neill felt himself tensing under them now, not liking the way that Daniel was refusing to look up. Shouldn't he be overjoyed at his success, that he had kept his word and saved O'Neill's life? "Daniel?" With a swift movement, even though his abused muscles protested, O'Neill freed one of his wrists from Daniel's grip, his fingers gently cupping Daniel's chin and making the other man look up. After the briefest of moments, Daniel looked away, then down once more. Then he seemed to realise that he was still gripping O'Neill's wrist and tried to pull away. "Daniel?" O'Neill repeated, his voice puzzled. "What is it?" With his other hand, O'Neill reached out and grabbed a handful of Daniel's robe, holding the younger man in place. "I... nothing happened..." Daniel reddened as he spoke. "What?" "Between me and Sha're. It was nothing," Daniel continued. "I didn't want you to think that anything... I mean, I wouldn't, not even..." He stammered to a halt, his face blazing with embarrassment. "Daniel," O'Neill said again. "I know what you did. All that's important anyway." Through the grip he still maintained on Daniel's robe, O'Neill could feel Daniel relax. He was no longer trying to pull away and the Jaffa began to let go. O'Neill watched with fascination as the heat began to go from Daniel's face, succeeded by a slightly sheepish smile. A smile that did all sorts of things to the Jaffa, making him remember a dream he had been wakened from not long before.
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Continued in Part 3... | |