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Chapter Text

Daniel sat staring at the set of tablets in front of him, he’d been working on them since coming back from P4R 667. With the Asgard now gone, the legacy they had bequeathed to the SGC meant there was suddenly a wealth of technology and planets open to them, on one of them they had found the five tablets that may lead them to the Furlings, the one race they hadn’t run into since they’d opened the Gate.

Something was trying to capture his attention, but it was almost 2 am and he had been up for almost forty hours straight. With a long sigh, Daniel decided he needed to sleep. Pulling himself out his chair, he turned off the light in his office, locking it and then staggered to the room he always used whenever he slept at the base. Throwing his jacket onto the nearest chair then pulling off his boots, Daniel just lay on top of the bed fully clothed and fell asleep almost instantly.

As he slept visions of sand and laughter filled his dreams, long dark hair, soft brown eyes and…

“The tablet!!!”

Sitting up suddenly, Daniel groaned in annoyance as he realised what he’d been trying to remember all night.

This was not good.

“Dr Jackson,” Landry stated the next day, “What progress have you made with the tablets?”

Daniel took a quick drink of coffee before explaining, “I’m getting through them, but there is a missing one which completes the set. And it’s the central part of the information.”

“So,” Mitchell noted, “It’s nothing.”

“Not exactly,” Daniel replied, “There is information on there we can use. However I have seen the missing tablet before.”

Vala perked up at his side, “A mission? Because it’s been days since we went anywhere fun.”

“Unfortunately, I saw it on Abydos,” Daniel continued ignoring her.

“Which no longer exists,” Teal’c said softly.

Sam looked at him thoughtfully, “Do you remember what it said?”

Daniel winced, “A little but it’s been over a decade, so I don’t know if that is accurate.”

“But you have another idea,” Mitchell noted.

Nodding Daniel told them, “With the Asgard technology we’ve acquired, I can go back to Abydos and steal it from myself.”

They all stared at him.

“Won’t that change time?” Mitchell asked finally.

“No,” Daniel told him, “Because I originally lost the tablet during a sandstorm.” He stopped not intending to give more detail but at the looks he was getting knew he had to, “Sha’re and I were having lunch outside a cave when it started. We gathered everything up, but somehow that was missed. I was so annoyed because even though I couldn’t read it at the time, I hoped to someday be able to.”

Landry thought this over for a moment before asking, “What’s your plan?”

“I know where we were when I lost the tablet,” Daniel stated, “There is a cavern nearby that I can wait in until then. Once my past self and Sha’re take shelter, I’ll retrieve the tablet before it gets lost in the sand.”

“Just like that?” Mitchell asked.

Daniel nodded, “I can use the cloak to hide myself and it should protect me from the sand for the few minutes I need to retrieve the tablet.”

Landry mused for several minutes before nodding, “Agreed.”

“I’ll come too,” Vala chirped.

“No,” Daniel stated, “I know exactly where I’m going, as well as what I’m waiting for. More than one person could be conspicuous.”

“You can’t go alone,” Sam told him, wincing at the glare he sent her way, “Perhaps Vala could wait in the ship, in case you need to be pulled out quickly.”

“It can be set to an automatic return using voice activation,” Daniel reminded his friend.

“However,” Landry stated, “It is best that you do not go alone.”

“Teal’c?” Daniel asked hopefully.

Vala let out an annoyed squeak.

“Unfortunately,” Teal’c said, “I am due to work with SG6 on their next mission.”

Daniel turned desperately to Sam, “Feel like a trip?”

“Sorry, Daniel,” she replied, “I’m due back to the Hammond in a few hours.”

“And I’m heading out in an hour with the new training team,” Mitchell added.

Vala beamed, “Then it’s a trip for two.”

Daniel grimaced.

“I’m afraid you have no other choice, Dr Jackson,” Landry stated, “Be ready to leave in two hours.”

“Daniel.”

He grimaced and turned to where Sam was walking towards him.

“Look,” she said, “I know you’re not happy about this, but you also know that you can’t go on a mission alone.”

“But Vala?” he demanded, “I have so few memories of Abydos, I don’t want them tainted by her.”

“That’s unfair,” Sam stated, “She’s there to pull you out if…” she paused, “Daniel, I know you still miss Sha’re and you will be going somewhere that you could…”

“I could change the past and save her,” Daniel stated, “You don’t have to worry, Sam, I know the danger of doing that. I’m going to get the tablet, that’s all.”

Sam winced slightly, “I know you believe that, but the fact is your history with Abydos, with its people…”

“With my wife,” he cut her off again, “Sam, I’m grateful you worry about me, but you don’t have to. Changing history could make things worse, for all of us and, Sha’re would never agree to me doing that.”

Sam stepped forward and hugged him, “Try not to let Vala annoy you too much.”

Daniel sighed, “If I murder her, it’s your fault.”

Abydos.

Home.

Daniel stood just outside the cave, enjoying the heat seeping into his bones. Something he hadn’t felt in so long, as he looked across the sands of his adopted world stretching out before him. Although he was cloaked, he was wearing the robes made by his wife that he kept stored in his closet, so he blended in if the cloak failed, but also because they were more practical for the planet. That was the reason he’d given anyway.

So lost in the sensation of being home after such a long time, the laughter coming towards him made Daniel jump in surprise.

Ensuring the cloak was on hiding him from sight, Daniel watched his younger self walking over the sands, carrying a bag that held his notes, the tablet as well as food and water while he carried a bedroll in his arms, Sha’re walking at his side carrying a bag holding her own writings. They were heading to the cartouche room to study and spend the night there.

Daniel’s hand went to his hair, wondering when he’d decided that keeping it short was a good idea but before he could think it over properly, Sha’re pushed her hood back and his heart skipped.

He’d only had one picture of her and his fading memories for so long now, suddenly she was flesh and blood before him. Her black curls unruly as always, her brown eyes sparkling with amusement and her smile making the sunny day somehow even brighter.

Realising he was about to do something stupid; Daniel turned and entered the other cave but when he dropped the cloak, he didn’t realise that he wasn’t completely through the entrance and was spotted.

Standing in the cave which held so much history for him, Daniel tried to remain focussed on stealing the tablet.

“What are you doing in here?” Sha’re’s sharp voice made him freeze, “You know Dan’iel does not like people in here alone. You could damage something.”

Daniel winced but he didn’t move.

“I’m bringing you up,” Vala’s voice came in his ear, but Daniel activated the dampener so she couldn’t get a lock, hearing her swear at him.

“I am not going to ask again,” Sha’re’s annoyed voice came, and he could feel her just behind him.

Slowly he turned and Sha’re let out a shocked gasp, taking a step back as she looked at him. An older version of her husband.

“Dan’iel?” she asked before shaking her head in fear, “No, you cannot be. This is a trick. Ra has returned to take his revenge.

“Sha’re,” Daniel caught her hands, “Look at me, I promise this is me. I’m not Ra, this is strange I know but I’m your Daniel. Just from a future time.”

She stared at him, her eyes locking with his and looking into his eyes, she calmed.

Sha’re reached out to touch his cheek, “I don’t understand but it is you. My husband, yet you are in the other cave going through your notes.”

Relieved that she was giving him the chance to explain, Daniel licked his lips and moved her to sit, “I’m from many years from now. And as much as we love it here, we leave Abydos at some point,” he paused, words sticking in his throat as he wanted to tell her everything, to change her fate, he knew he couldn’t. Finally, he managed to say, “There’s so much I can’t tell you, but there is so much to learn out there. There are other beings who are advanced, but unlike Ra, they are our friends. There are some bad things but also so many wonderous things out there through the Stargate.”

“That sounds incredible,” Sha’re said before asking, “So why are you back here?”

“You know the tablet I found in the mine last week?”

She rolled her eyes, “You are obsessed with it.”

“Sorry, I know how annoying that must be for you,” Daniel apologised.

Sha’re laughed softly, “You would not be you otherwise.”

“Well, I now know what it means, and I need it to find something important,” he said, “But when the sandstorm that is about to blow in hits, I’ll lose it when we’re gathering up everything from our lunch outside.”

She tilted her head thoughtfully, “You are here to retrieve it before it is lost to the sand without the other you knowing this.”

Daniel nodded, smiling at how quickly she understood.

“I will get it for you,” she told him.

“Sha’re…”

She caught his hand, and Daniel instantly trailed off stunned by the electricity sparking along his spine at her touch.

“I will take the tablet,” Sha’re told him, “And bring it to you after the storm ends.”

Daniel stared at her, “Why?”

“Because you told me it is important,” Sha’re replied with a shrug.

Taking a slow deep breath, Daniel said, “I’ll be here after the storm tomorrow. All you have to do is leave it where I can find it.”

“No,” she stated, “I will hand it to you, so I know that you have it.”

“Sha’re…”

“You have said this is important,” she reminded him, “I want to ensure that you did not come here and not get what you came for.”

He smiled at her and without thought leaned closer, catching himself at the last second and simply pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Sha’re stood and headed out the cave, he watched her leave and continued to stare at the spot she had been even after she was gone.

“You can bring me up now,” Daniel finally said deactivating the dampener.

Vala was glaring at him when he was transported up to the ship. Ignoring her, Daniel headed to get a drink of water.

“What the hell were you thinking?” she snapped, “Or did you just come here to see her?”

Anger boiled in him, but Daniel pushed it down, he wasn’t going to fight about this.

“If I’d simply disappeared,” Daniel stated, keeping his voice even, “She would have called the past version of me and that would have changed what they did. Likely making it impossible for me to get the tablet not to mention changing the future.”

“And this won’t?”

“No,” Daniel stated with conviction, “I know Sha’re. She’ll give me the tablet and will never tell past me what happened.” As Vala continued to frown, Daniel sighed, “If I wanted to change things I would have told her about Apophis, what’s going to happen and how to avoid it. It kills me that I can’t.”

She reached out to apologise and Daniel pulled away. He wasn’t in the mood.

“I’m going to look over some things while we’re waiting for the sandstorm to pass.”

Daniel sat and read over some more of the Asgard files that were in the database, trying to keep his mind off the fact that the love of his life, his reason for living for years, the woman he missed every day, was alive on the planet below. He smiled as he thought back to the day that his past self was currently living, after running inside to protect themselves from the storm, Sha’re had set up the bed roll in the corner while he fixed the rest of the food and drink in the coolest section of the cavern.

Sighing, Daniel thought back to the moment Sha’re slid her arms around his waist when he turned to her and kissed him. They didn’t get much work done that afternoon, but he didn’t care.

The year he’d lived on Abydos had been the happiest of his life. He’d been in love with Sha’re within hours of knowing her and, it had only deepened the more time he spent with her. He would have done anything for her.

Except he couldn’t.

He couldn’t save her, then or now.

Even if he tried to stop her being taken by the Gould, Sha’re would not be happy with him for changing things that could hurt people without consulting her and make him put things back to the way they should be.

She cared more about everyone else than she did about herself, she had volunteered to be the bride of the messenger of Ra because as the Chief Elders daughter she was most valuable and wanted to protect her friends.

At least this gave him a few more memories of her.

“Here,” Sha’re handed Daniel a small woven bag when she appeared in the cave early the next morning, “I placed the tablet inside, so that the other Dan’iel did not see I had taken it.”

Smiling at her thinking, Daniel took the bag being careful not to touch her, “Thank you. And the other me didn’t ask where you were going?”

She shrugged, “He is still sleeping.”

Daniel chuckled at the innocent look she gave him; one he remembered so well, knowing exactly why his past self was still fast asleep. He gave her another soft smile before getting ready to say goodbye to her.

“Dan’iel,” she stopped him before he could speak, “Where you are from, are we still together?”

Reaching out, Daniel rested his hand on her cheek, “You are still the last thing I see each night and the first thing I see each morning. I have never loved anyone the way I love you.”

She smiled at him before moving closer and touching her lips to his. Daniel tried to hold back but, it had been so long since he’d been kissed by his wife, so long since he’d been able to kiss her, and he deepened it holding her close to him.

They parted and Daniel kept his arms around her waist tightly, “I love you so much. I am so lucky that you agreed to be my wife.”

“I love you too, my Dan’iel,” Sha’re gently brushed her lips to his cheek before stepping back, “I must return to the other you before he misses me. I promise I will never tell what happened here until you tell me you recall.”

He nodded and watched her leave, relieved he hadn’t allowed the tears he’d felt threatening him to fall. He couldn’t change what was about to happen, but he could ensure she was happy until then.

The moment he beamed up to the ship, Daniel headed to the small room he was using both so he could check the tablet and avoid talking to Vala while his emotions were raw.

He trusted Sha’re had given him the right thing, but he knew he had to confirm they could leave and to ensure his memory had been accurate.

Gently lifting the tablet out the bag, Daniel smiled to see he had been right and gently brushed his hand across it. To his surprise, he spotted a folded piece of paper sitting half inside the bag. Opening it, Daniel instantly recognised Sha’re’s handwriting smiling to see the mix of English and Abydonian she’d always written in.

My Dearest Daniel,

I sit here while your past self sleeps, thinking of all you told me.

Since I met you, I have seen so much that I believed at first to be magic, but your appearance today is the thing that has surprised me most. I am writing this because I know you will try to reassure me no matter what the truth is when I ask.

You tried not to show it, but I could see in your eyes that we have not been together in a long time. Knowing how much I love you and the way you looked at me, I can only believe that at some point I shall die before you come back here.

I do not know if it is tomorrow, next week, or several years from now, but I promise that I will love you the same even though I know this.

I was originally given to you as a gift, but you, my darling husband, you were a gift to me. You know how scared I was that my husband would make demands of me, but you never did. You asked if I wanted to be married to you, you let me take things as slowly as I needed, and my happiest moments are being in your arms.

You taught me things I could never imagine, and you always wanted to learn everything you could. I do not know if I will never laugh as much as I did the day you tried to grind flour, but you were so happy learning something new.

I never knew I could love anyone the way I love you.

Never forget this.

Your wife,

Sha’re

Finishing the letter, Daniel felt his tears slide down his face.

He continued to stare at the letter, seeing a small imprint showing that Sha’re had kissed the paper, there were also a few strands of her long black hair that must have been caught when she pushed her hair out her face when writing. He remembered watching her doing it, the small noise of irritation she made each time had always made him smile. After a while he would push her hair back for her, kiss the side of her neck, she sometimes would push him away with a laugh while other times pull him close.

Taking a deep breath, Daniel ensured the tablet was safely stored before he tucked the letter into his pocket, reverently folding the bag and placing it in with his clothes.

He took a few deep breaths before heading up to the bridge to return them home.

Chapter Text

Daniel sat in his office working on the tablets, or at least that was what he was supposed to be doing. Instead, all he could do was think of his wife.

He had come to terms with the fact he would never see her again, that she was lost to him for good. It had taken him a long time to get to this point, of being at peace with his life as it was but he had.

When he’d decided to go to Abydos to retrieve the tablet he’d intended to stay away, to not see her because he knew he couldn’t go back. When he did see her, it had been a bit like a dream, like an old family movie he’d stumbled across, but it didn’t seem real to him.

But being in her presence, talking to her, seeing her bright sparkling eyes filled with love, her kiss, had been overwhelming. Then the letter she’d written reminded him how well she could read him, like no one else ever could.

Jack came a close second, but Daniel had learned to lie to him, to hide things from his friend that he didn’t want known. He’d never been able to do that with Sha’re and it looked like he still couldn’t.

It wasn’t fair.

Daniel had given everything to the Stargate programme, to protect the Earth as well as people on multiple planets, yet he lost everything. First his parents, then his career and professional reputation, (okay technically that one was his own fault) then his wife, his chance of being a father and the rest of the family she had given him.

Even the new family he’d made with SG1 had moved on, leaving him with two people who had become his friends, but it was not the same.

Now, his longing for the life that he’d had for one glorious year was back, but this time there was something he could do about it.

They had a time machine, they had Asgard regeneration tech, and the more Daniel thought about it, the more he knew how to save her without changing the past.

It made him wonder why he couldn’t be selfish, why he couldn’t do something for him for once.

And the more he thought about it, the more he wanted it.

It would just take a little planning.

Daniel nodded to the guards who were at the entrance to the ship as he wandered towards them.

“Can we help you, Dr Jackson,” the one closest to him, Lieutenant Evans asked.

Daniel let out a sigh, his hands in his pockets as he stood in what Ferretti had nicknamed many years ago as ‘The Civilian Slouch’.

“I think I left one of my books onboard,” Daniel told them, before grimacing and adding, “At least I really hope I did, otherwise I have no idea what I did with it.”

The two men shared an amused look which didn’t surprise Daniel, from day one his non-military status meant he was underestimated. And Daniel had over the years perfected the affable, absent professor act for those that didn’t know him.

He remembered that Ferretti had nearly passed out trying not to laugh one day when he saw Daniel do it for a group of marines while they were explaining how to use a berretta to him on the shooting range, after Daniel had just out shot Ferretti and the other members of SG2.

“We’re not supposed…” Evans started glancing at the other guard whose name Daniel could not remember for love nor money.

“Just a book?” the other man asked

“I’m almost sure where I left it,” Daniel replied.

They looked at one another again and shrugged.

“Two minutes,” Evans unlocked the doors allowing Daniel in.

Daniel gave him a small smile, “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

Entering the craft, Daniel headed to the bridge and locked the ship down before starting the engines. He could see the two guards jumping away and felt a bit sorry for them, but then remembered that he’d decided for once to be selfish.

He was going to see this through, no matter the consequences.

“What do you mean, Daniel stole the time ship?” Jack demanded.

He’d been called to the SGC for an emergency, beaming in within minutes of the call wondering what was happening but had never expected the words that had come out of the other man’s mouth.

“There isn’t any other way to say it,” Landry replied.

Jack grimaced and looked around at the current members of SG1 who were sitting looking worried, “Anyone going to give me an idea why?”

Vala let out an annoyed sniff, “For her.”

“Her?” Landry asked.

Jack grimaced before asking, “Sha’re? You’re saying he’s gone back for Sha’re.”

“After he talked to her…”

“What?!!” Jack yelled, cutting her off, turning to the other General at the table he demanded, “Was that in the report because I missed it?”

Landry frowned, “I don’t remember it either.”

Vala shrugged, “He told me he’d write it.”

Sighing Jack knew he should have come as soon as Daniel returned from the mission, talked to him about being back there but he’d been caught up in a meeting.

“What exactly happened between them?” Jack asked.

Vala grimaced, “She discovered him in the cave he was waiting in and stole the tablet for him. He turned off his radio when he went back to get the tablet from her, so I didn’t hear anything.”

Jack dropped his head into his hands, “Daniel,” he sighed, “Why didn’t you wait to talk to me?”

“I can’t let this go, Jack,” Landry spoke up, “He’s stolen…”

“I know,” Jack cut the other man off, “And I’m pretty sure he knows too.”

Angry at his friend, Jack wandered the halls of the SGC while they waited for Daniel to return. He found himself at Daniel’s office and using the key he had, Jack let himself in.

As always, the place looked chaotic, but Daniel had a system which worked once you got to know it. To his surprise, he found an envelope sitting in front of the computer with his name on it. There were two pieces of paper inside. One plain white, the other reminded him more of papyrus or recycled paper.

Opening the first one, Jack began to read.

Dear Jack,

I know you’re angry, but I decided to do something for me.

I am aware of what I’m doing and what it means for my continuing as part of the SGC.

I’ll be back soon to face whatever consequences there are.

Daniel.

Short and to the point, Jack mused, very un-Daniel like. Placing it on the desk, Jack lifted the second piece of paper and opening it found a letter to Daniel from Sha’re. He couldn’t read it all as it was only partially in English, but he got the gist.

“Danny, you better come back with her,” Jack murmured, “Otherwise you’re going to lose everything, and I won’t be able to stop it.”

The phone rang and Jack grabbed it, “Yeah?”

“He’s back,” Landry said, “I thought you’d want to be here.”

Taking a deep breath, Jack stood and headed out to meet his friend.

Daniel went over his plan several times, checking the information within the database and hoping against hope that this worked. He was burning every one of his bridges doing this and knew, that as much as Jack would try, he wouldn’t be able to help him if this didn’t work.

Finally sure he was ready, Daniel settled the ship in orbit above Abydos once more, only this time it was several years after his last visit. This time his past self was there to bury the love of his life.

Daniel remembered how Jack didn’t leave his side from the moment he’d stepped through the Gate. He’d been there as Daniel sat numbly trying to understand what he did now, when he screamed at the universe for taking her away and Jack had held him as he lost himself in grief the moment he stepped into their home.

After a quick trip to their home on the planet below to pick up a few items for her, he was sitting watching the screen showing the funeral. It was surreal watching himself perform the ceremony to usher her into the next life.

He needed to ensure there was no one nearby when he brought her up, his mind shied away from the word body, because he was bringing her back.

Finally, it was time.

Setting the co-ordinates, Daniel felt his throat constrict as the light faded revealing the woman he loved wrapped in bandages. With the penknife Jack had given him for Christmas a few years before, Daniel cut the cloth away. He gently stroked Sha’re’s cheek as she lay before him looking as though she was merely sleeping, activating the healing pod he’d programmed earlier, Daniel gently lifted Sha’re into his arms and laid her inside the pod. Pushing her hair back from her face, because it annoyed her when it encroached her eyes, Daniel placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Come back to me,” he whispered.

Closing the pod, he took a deep breath and activated the regeneration sequence.

Sha’re was being brought back to life but as it was ensuring it didn’t reanimate the Gould, the regeneration process took several hours. Daniel tried to sit still at first but knew that he couldn’t. He kept the ship around Abydos but returned it back to the year when he lived there, so no one would interrupt them while he went over ideas on where they could go when he was kicked out the SGC. Unable to sit still he also paced the ship multiple times.

The alarm sounded letting him know that the regeneration was complete, and Daniel entered the room just as the pod opened. He looked down frozen to see Sha’re lying as still as she had been when he placed her into it. But before he could even wonder what went wrong, she took in a gasp of breath and her eyes opened.

“Sha’re,” he called, seeing she was panicking, “It’s okay. I’m here.”

Confusion covered her face, “Dan’iel?”

Relief and happiness filled him to hear her say his name, “It’s me, you’re safe and Ammonet is gone.”

She reached up and touched his cheek before realising that she was naked and in a strange place.

“Take it slowly,” Daniel told her, “Let me help you out and then you can dress.”

Sha’re nodded. She slid her arms around his neck and Daniel gently lifted her out. He took a few deep breaths trying not to focus on looking at anything other than her face. Now was not the time.

Retrieving the clothes and shoes he’d brought up from their home for her, Daniel gave her some space to dress while he made sure there were no other ships nearby then made her some dinner.

“What happened?” Sha’re asked as she drank her tea, “How am I here? I died.”

Daniel nodded, “You did. And it has been a long time since then, a lot of things have happened, and I have a lot I need to tell you.”

Looking at the ship, she nodded, “I can see that.”

“Do you remember the day you found me in the cave and gave me the tablet?” Daniel asked.

Realisation filled her eyes, “You came from now?”

“I did,” he whispered, “And until that moment I thought I had accepted losing you, but when I read your letter…” he trailed off but when Sha’re took his hand comfortingly, Daniel continued, “I couldn’t live without you again and I had the ability to bring you back into my life without changing how things had gone.”

“How long?” Sha’re asked.

Daniel closed his eyes, “It’s been almost ten years since you died.”

“Oh, my Dan’iel,” she breathed, “So long?”

“I’m sorry,” he gasped suddenly, “I should have…I should…” he trailed off as Sha’re hugged him tightly.

He wrapped his arms around her, happy to feel her warm body against his once more.

“None of it was your fault,” Sha’re told him, stroking his cheeks and wiping away the tears that had fallen from his eyes, “You did all you could, and I just hope I can fit into your life now.”

“You are my life,” Daniel replied before wincing as he confessed, “And I might have stolen the ship to bring you back.”

Sha’re stared at him for a moment before she kissed him. Daniel pulled her close and smiled at the knowledge that they were together again. No matter what came next, now she was with him then he could face whatever the consequences were with no regrets.

They sat together on the couch in the small observation room, it had a large window which showed Abydos below. Daniel had told her the fate of her people, holding her as she wept before he gave her a quick rundown of what he’d been doing the past ten years.

Sha’re knew he left out a lot, but didn’t call him on it because they had time for him to tell her the rest later.

“I want to warn you,” Daniel said finally, “That when we get back to Earth, because I stole the ship, there will be consequences for me.”

“Dan’iel…” she caught his hand.

“Don’t worry,” he assured her, “They will bluster and go through a lot of nonsense but considering all I’ve done, as well as all I know, it won’t be easy for them to simply cut me off. I also know Jack will do whatever he can to protect you.”

Sha’re nodded before she leaned against his shoulder, “Can we not run away? Somewhere no one has ever heard of the Goa’uld, or any of the other evils that invaded our lives?”

Wrapping his arms around her, Daniel breathed, “I can’t. Because without you, Jack, Sam and Teal’c became my family. They were there for me when I was alone and when I was hurting, I can’t leave them.”

Kissing him, Sha’re whispered, “I would never ask you to. It was a fleeting thought.”

“I don’t think I ever said it enough,” Daniel breathed, “But I love you. And I have missed you so much.”

Smiling Sha’re kissed him again, “Do we have to go back now, or can I say hello to you properly?”

“Are you sure you’re ready?”

Standing, Sha’re took a few steps to the door before she slid the dress off her shoulders, allowing it to fall to the floor as she disappeared from his sight.

Daniel smiled, he could face whatever the consequences were when he got back to Earth, as long as he had Sha’re.

Following her to the bedroom Daniel grinned finding her under the covers waiting for him. Undressing quickly, he kissed her as she pulled him into bed with her.

Chapter Text

Jack stood with Hank Landry, Mitchell, and Vala waiting for the doors of the ship to open. He did think the soldiers were a bit much, but the base was Landry’s domain, and he was trying to ensure Daniel understood how serious what he’d done was.

Jack was pretty sure his friend was well aware of this but stayed silent wondering who was behind that door and hoping things had gone the way Daniel wanted.

Finally, the entrance slid opened, and Daniel stood there. Jack could see the instant his friend saw all the soldiers and hid his smile to see Daniel actively stop himself rolling his eyes.

“Dr Jackson,” Landry spoke first, “You are under arrest for the theft of classified property.”

“I guessed that,” Daniel stated, “But before you drag me off to a cell, Jack if you could do something for me?”

“Depends,” Jack said.

A slight smile touched Daniel’s lips, and he turned offering his hand behind him, Jack grinned at the woman who appeared.

“If you could keep Sha’re company until this is sorted,” Daniel said.

Jack stepped forward and motioned her to join him, “No problem.”

“Don’t worry,” Daniel whispered to her, “Jack is my family these days. He’ll look after you.”

Sha’re nodded before she wrapped her arms around Daniel and kissed him. When they parted, Sha’re moved with Jack to one side, and she held herself still, watching as Daniel was taken by two guards. Jack grimaced when they cuffed the younger man, resting his hand on Sha’re’s shoulder to ensure she was alright. She turned to him, her eyes dark and unreadable but it was clear that they’d discussed this as she did not move a muscle when Daniel was marched out the room towards the cells.

Jack turned to Landry who frowned before he left with Mitchell following along. Mitchell turned back after a few steps and grabbed Vala by the arm, the other woman was staring at Sha’re, annoyance covering her face but allowed herself to be pulled out the room.

When they were finally alone, Jack heard Sha’re let out a sigh.

Sha’re had promised Daniel that she wouldn’t try to stop the soldiers taking him away and would stay with Jack, but it was not easy.

“Welcome back,” Jack said softly to her, “Guessing this wasn’t what you expected for your first time on Earth.”

Sha’re took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm. Being in the ship had been like a dream where she and Daniel could be together without the world or the past intruding on the small bubble of their love. Now though, reality was hitting and she found herself worried about what was going to happen next.

“I know this is scary,” he continued, “But I’m going to do everything I can.”

Sha’re nodded, “Dan’iel says you are his family, and that makes you mine.”

“I am,” Jack smiled at her before sighing, “Come on, the doctors will want to check you’re healthy.”

Shaking slightly, Sha’re took a step forward and found herself being pulled into a hug.

“I know,” Jack murmured as he rocked her, “You’ve been through a lot and this isn’t helping, but trust me, we’ll get this sorted as fast as possible then you two can get on with your lives.”

Composing herself once more, Sha’re pulled away from him, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said with a slight smile before offering his arm, “Ready?”

She took the arm and let him lead her to what he called the infirmary. They made her change into some strange clothes and led her to a bed. Sha’re sat patiently as the doctor who introduced herself as Doctor Kelvin did what Jack assured her were standard tests before asking multiple questions about how she felt. They put her inside a big machine to check that her demon was truly gone, Jack stood nearby talking and assuring her she was fine.

Finally, they put a needle in her arm and took out her blood. This she did not like at all but held her tongue because she couldn’t do anything that would stop her from seeing Daniel.

“That’s you done,” Jack said, “I’ve got some clean clothes for you to change into, and then we’ll start on getting this sorted.”

“Thank you,” she took the bag from him and went into the other room for some privacy.

Some of the items were a bit strange but the dress she has been given is similar to what she would wear at home. A simple light green dress, with long sleeves that came to just above her ankles.

Stepping back out into the room, Jack smiled at her and offered his arm again. Relieved to have him by her side, Sha’re let him lead her out the room.

Daniel sat on the bed in the cell he was placed in once they took the cuffs off. It had been a surreal experience to be arrested within the base, a place which had become his second home over the years.

He knew Landry was mad, but frankly he didn’t care, because his wife, his amazing, brilliant, gorgeous wife was alive again and they would finally get to live their lives together. Daniel was no fool, he knew Landry had to throw the book at him for stealing the ship, but Daniel also knew that he was one of the leading members of the SGC with knowledge and skills that made him very dangerous to be completely banished from the programme.

They couldn’t imprison him, at least he was pretty sure of it, but it is more than likely that he would be ostracised from the Stargate programme, forced to sign multiple NDAs and then shoved somewhere they could watch him while he ended up in a boring job.

But he knew that no matter where he was sent, Sha’re would be with him. It was the one thing Jack would ensure would happen and after all the years apart he didn’t care about anything else but being with her.

It was about three hours later when the door opened, and the guard motioned him to stand. They cuffed him again; Landry was really being a little theatrical with this, but Daniel knew the other man was trying to instil in Daniel the seriousness of what he’d done as if Daniel was a child.

He was marched up to the conference room where Landry was waiting at the head of the table.

“Take a seat, Dr Jackson,” he stated.

Holding up his cuffed hands, Daniel asked, “Am I getting out of these?”

“Not yet.”

Daniel sighed and sat down, “A bit over the top but I’ll go with it.”

“You do understand what you did, Dr Jackson,” Landry stated sharply, “This is not a joke or a game. You stole confidential and proprietary equipment; you have to understand I can’t just shrug and let this go.”

“You’ll have my resignation within minutes,” Daniel told him, “It’s in my desk drawer.”

Landry grimaced, “You can’t resign. Not while under arrest.”

“Really?”

Before Landry could say anything else, Jack walked in with Sha’re. Daniel stood and smiled as his wife moved to him.

“You look beautiful,” he told her, raising his arms so when she wrapped her arms around his waist he could hold her, “Are you okay?”

Sha’re nodded.

“Jack?” Daniel said softly.

“We’re getting along,” Jack said before adding, “She’s teaching me all the Abydonian swear words you never would.”

Despite the situation, Sha’re let out a soft chuckle against his chest.

“Hank,” Jack said suddenly, “Can I talk to you in private for a minute?”

Landry frowned.

“He’s not going to leave,” Jack continued before the other man could protest, “And if you need someone to watch him, I have just the person coming up the stairs.”

Daniel turned as did the General, and he smiled at the man who appeared, “Ferretti?”

Jack grinned as Ferretti walked in on cue, it so rarely happened but he had to admit it was amazing timing.

“General,” Ferretti nodded at Jack, “Reporting as ordered.” He stalled, stared in confusion at Daniel in handcuffs but then at the woman holding onto him, “Sha’re?”

“Hello,” she said softly.

Ferretti sat down, “I’m sure there is a long story connected to this.”

“And we’ll tell you later,” Jack stated, “Your job is to ensure Daniel stays in here.”

He left the confused Ferretti with Daniel and Sha’re before he headed into the office with his replacement.”

“Jack, I know what you’re going to say,” Landry stated the moment the door closed, “But there is no way I can pretend this didn’t happen.”

Jack took a seat, “I know.”

“Can you tell him that?”

“Daniel is well aware of what he did,” Jack stated.

Landry sighed, “So what do you expect me to do?”

“Daniel has been with the SGC since day one,” Jack reminded him, “He has not only been instrumental in saving Earth multiple times, but also brokered treaties with many of our allies, most of who only agreed to talk to us because of him.”

“He stole the time ship,” Landry snapped, “He could have changed things, he might have, and we would have no idea.”

Jack shook his head, “Daniel planned this meticulously, if he hadn’t then he would have stopped her from being taken. He waited until we all thought she was dead and buried before saving her. Despite knowing what she’d been through, knowing he had to let that happen to the one person he loves more than anything.”

“I can’t just let it go,” Landry stated again, “I have to remove him from SG1 at the very least.”

Forcing himself not to say that Daniel was going to do that anyway with Sha’re back, Jack simply nodded.

“There has to be strong consequences for what he did,” Landry continued.

“I agree,” Jack replied, “But we don’t want to lose one of our best resources because of this. Daniel knows and has been involved with so much of the program, cutting him loose is not an option.”

“I know he’s your friend…”

“He is,” Jack said, “But he is also someone who is important to the work we do here. I refuse to let us lose that because he finally managed to do the thing that he joined the SGC for.”

“He offered his resignation,” Landry mused, “I can just let him go and disavow him.”

“Meaning whoever took over from the NID and Trust can grab him for information on the base?” Jack asked.

Landry grimaced, “We could imprison him?”

“Really?”

Sighing Landry noted, “Probably not. Other than on the base how could we explain it.”

“The President might have some issues with it too,” Jack added.

“What about sending him to Atlantis?”

“Well, he would love that and Sha’re would probably too,” Jack mused, “But considering they’re just back together, I’m pretty sure she will be pregnant within the next month or so, if she isn’t already and I don’t know if Atlantis would want the extra pressure of kids.”

“Teyla does have a son,” Landry reminded him.

“Not one of ours,” Jack replied, “She’s a native so has her people to help with her kid.”

“Then what do I do?”

Jack smiled slightly, “I have an idea.”

Daniel smiled as Sha’re gripped his hand tightly in hers as they sat together, Ferretti sitting at the other end of the table near the exit.

‘Standing guard’.

“You look beautiful,” Daniel said softly, “And I’m sorry about this.”

She frowned at him, “Don’t be. I am so happy to be with you. You risked everything to bring me back. I just wish it wasn’t at the cost of all you have worked for.”

“None of that matters to me,” Daniel whispered fiercely, “I chose you. I always will choose you.”

A bright smile touched her lips, “You are still the sweetest, my husband.”

“I have missed hearing you call me that,” Daniel murmured, moving closer to gently kiss her.

“What is going to happen?” Sha’re whispered, “Will they let us stay together.”

“Jack won’t allow us to be separated,” Daniel assured her, “I promise. It’ll just take a little time for them to go through their options and work that out.”

Sha’re sighed, “We should have stayed on the ship.”

Daniel chuckled and kissed her quickly again before turning as the door to the office opened.

Jack walked into the conference room first, aware of Hank following him. He spotted Mitchell and Vala hanging around outside but ignored them as he clapped Ferretti on the shoulder before taking the seat across from Daniel.

It was good to see his friend with his wife, despite the current circumstances because for the first time since Jack had stepped back onto Abydos that day Daniel was smiling properly.

“Dr Jackson,” Landry stated as he took his seat, “I am so disappointed in what you’ve done and so sorry that I can’t ignore it because I understand your desire to save your wife. As of this moment, you are no longer a member of SG1.”

“What?” Mitchell and Vala cried in unison stepping into the room.

Landry silenced them both with a glare before continuing, “You are also no longer a member of this facility.”

Daniel simply nodded as Sha’re gripped his hand.

“However,” Landry continued, “We can’t just let you go, considering all you know.”

“So,” Daniel asked finally, “What now?”

Jack took over, “Now, you work for me.”

“Was prison not an option?” Daniel asked, making Sha’re smack his arm and Jack chuckle.

“Keep mouthing off at me and it will be,” Jack told him before continuing, “You’ll both like Washington but before that happens, I believe you have some vacation time to take.”

Chapter Text

Packing up his office wasn’t something he was looking forward to especially trying to separate what belonged to him and what belonged to the SGC.

“You’re really leaving?”

Daniel looked up to see Vala standing in the doorway, Mitchell just behind her.

“I was fired,” Daniel reminded them, “Wasn’t exactly my choice.”

“You didn’t fight it,” Mitchell noted.

Daniel let out a slight chuckle, “How could I fight it? This is the best-case scenario considering what I did to get fired.”

“Which is another thing I can’t believe you did,” Vala snapped.

Daniel looked at her, raising his eyebrow, “You mean saving my wife?”

“You told me that you didn’t go there to see her,” Vala reminded him.

“And I didn’t,” Daniel replied softly, “But I did see her, I talked to her, and I remembered all I lost when she was taken. I wanted her back and finally I had the way to do it. That was my entire reason for joining the SGC, to save her.”

Shaking her head, Vala noted, “So, to hell with the rest of us.”

Daniel sighed, “It’s not about you. Not about any of you. For the first time in my life, I decided to be selfish. I wanted my wife back and, finally, I had a way to do it. I’m sorry that it means I’m leaving SG1 but I’m not sorry I did it.”

Vala let out a noise of disgust and marched out.

“You should have talked to us,” Mitchell said, “We would have helped.”

“No, you would have tried to talk me out of it,” Daniel replied, “Or you would have come along, and we all would have been fired,” he titled his head in thought, “Well in your case court-martialled.”

Mitchell shrugged.

“Look,” Daniel said, “I gave a lot to this place. I have seen things that I never dreamed of, and I have made friends I never would have expected to. But Sha’re is my world, and I have her back. You don’t need me anyway.”

“That’s not true,” Mitchell insisted.

Smiling amused, Daniel replied, “Just because Vala likes to annoy me more than you. You’ll get used to that.”

“Hope Sha’re doesn’t mind visitors,” Mitchell told him, before offering his hand, “Dr Jackson.”

Daniel took his hand and shook it, “Colonel Mitchell.”

Sha’re looked up when the door to the room she was in burst open. While Daniel was clearing out his office, she had been taught how to use the computer so was learning about her new home.

“You’re ruining his life,” the dark-haired woman who burst in snapped, “This is his home and because of you, he has to leave.”

Standing to face the other woman she knew was a part of her husband’s now former team, Sha’re stated, “I did not ask Dan’iel to bring me back, I would never ask him to do that, but he did.”

“Vala,” Teal’c’s voice made them both turn to where he stood in the doorway, “Is there a problem?”

With an angry flip of her hair, Vala walked out without another word.

Sha’re looked at the man who had stolen her from her home, who had killed her yet who had protected her husband.

“Hello, Teal’c,” she said softly, “It is good to see you once more.”

He gently dipped his head, “And you. I hear you will be going to Washington as Daniel Jackson will now be working with O’Neill.”

Sha’re shrugged, “I know nothing of this world, one city is the same as another to learn about. As long as I am with Dan’iel then I will be happy.”

“If you require anything,” Teal’c told her, “I have been on Earth for some time and have learned to translate most of the Tauri’s quirks, I shall happily help you.”

Sha’re laughed, a rich joyous sound, “I appreciate that.”

“And do not mind Vala,” Teal’c told her, “She found a place here and a lot of that is due to Daniel Jackson. She cares a great deal for him.”

“Well, my Dan’iel is a kind and generous man,” Sha’re noted, “I understand that.”

Teal’c titled his head slightly before asking, “It is lunch time. Would you care to join me?”

Sha’re nodded, “Dan’iel is busy and, although he assured me that he would join me to eat, I know my husband when he is working.”

With a smile she followed him out of the room.

Daniel was surprised to find Sha’re sitting in the commissary with Teal’c. He’d headed to the room they were using, since she didn’t yet have permission to leave the base, to find it empty. He’d been sure he was on time for lunch.

“Should I be jealous?” Daniel asked as he walked over to the table.

Sha’re laughed, pulling him down to kiss him quickly, “Teal’c invited me for lunch, and I was not sure you would remember to come for me.”

“I’m a little insulted,” Daniel laughed.

“Or I know you very well, my love,” Sha’re teased.

Daniel chuckled, “You do. I forgot.”

“Are you joining us also?” she asked archly.

“Give me a minute,” Daniel said, he headed over to get a tray, glancing back watching Sha’re talk with Teal’c, and Daniel felt himself grin again. His face was actually hurting slightly from how much he’d smiled the past few days. Grabbing some food and a coffee, Daniel took his tray and sat beside his wife.

Jack finished his call with his office, setting what would be needed for Daniel to join him. It was a job he’d had always hoped his friend would take, expecting it to be after another few years.

Leaning back in his seat, he remembered standing guard as Daniel sat in the wheelchair by Sha’re’s body. All the Gould’s make-up and jewellery had been removed, the wound to her chest covered by a sheet. Daniel’s face pale, the burn in the centre of his forehead bright and angry as he gazed at her whispering in what Jack assumed was her native language.

Now they were together, and Daniel was fully alive because of that. Sha’re was contentedly following her husband’s lead on where they were going to be living, from the conversations he’d had with her. Sha’re was aware of her people’s fate and appeared to be taking it, along with everything else, in her stride.

Jack remembered Sha’re as being quiet, and not much else. To be honest back on Abydos originally, he hadn’t really paid attention to her, although saddened when she’d been killed by the guard and glad to see Daniel did save her. Then when they went back, she was there but again not someone he was focussed on.

He only knew who she was through Daniel, who didn’t talk about her much but on occasion Jack could get him to open up – usually when he was on morphine.

It was interesting getting to see them as a couple. Sha’re clearly had Daniel wrapped around her finger, and he was more than happy about it. Jack remembered them on Abydos comfortable together, and they seemed to have instantly fallen into that pattern.

Stepping into the commissary he smiled to see the couple sitting talking with Teal’c. They were side by side, with barely any space between them and Jack watched Sha’re’s hand rest on Daniel’s leg as she leaned into him.

So many years had passed since Daniel had been forced to leave his home, so much pain, so many losses and finally his friend was getting to have his happy ending.

Sha’re was here and despite the time that had passed, they were still as in love with one another as they had been back then.

Jack hoped nothing spoiled this for them. Teal’c turned and saw Jack standing there, so he wandered over to join them.

“Hey,” Daniel grinned.

It was odd to see Daniel this happy, the last few years he’d seemed to be at peace with his life and smiled a lot more than he’d had since joining the SGC but there was still a tinge of sadness, the losses hidden behind it. Now though, Daniel was smiling fully, all because of the woman sitting at his side.

“Hey,” Jack slid into the seat beside Teal’c, “How’s the packing going?”

“Slow,” Daniel admitted with a shrug, “There is a lot to go through. What about your side?”

Jack shrugged, “Got an office set up, very close to mine so I can keep an eye on you.”

Sha’re giggled as Daniel frowned.

“Apartment is sorted too,” Jack continued.

“Let me guess,” Daniel said amused, “Same building.”

Jack shrugged again, “Different floor.” At Daniel’s annoyance he demanded, “What? I thought you’d be happy to have a friend nearby after moving to a brand-new city.”

“I think it is nice,” Sha’re said, “That you will be close to us, Jack.”

Jack smirked at his friend, “See.”

“Sha’re just hasn’t had to put up with you much yet,” Daniel replied, “Doesn’t know how annoying you are.”

Sha’re smacked his arm, “Be nice.”

He leaned over and kissed her, “To you?”

“Okay, kids you’re in public,” Jack laughed before saying, “Daniel, Landry wants you to have your office cleared out by tomorrow. He needs this to be done as soon as possible.”

Daniel nodded solemnly, “I understand. It’ll be sad to leave here but,” he turned to Sha’re and smiled, “It’s for the best reason.”

Daniel stood in his office for the final time, it was now cleared of everything he had accumulated in more than the decade he had worked here. Two arms wrapped around his waist from behind.

“If that’s Jack,” Daniel noted, “I’m going to be really disappointed.”

Sha’re laughed as he turned to her, “And now?”

“So happy,” Daniel kissed her, “Just…” he sighed, “Just this place was somewhere I spent a great deal of time. It was mine.”

“I wish I could do something to make this better,” Sha’re told him.

“You’re here,” Daniel reminded her, “That’s all I need. It’s just a new start. I’ve done it before.”

She rested against him, “I know, my love but it does not make this easier.”

“The thing is,” Daniel said, “When I chose to stay on Abydos, it was harder than this is. Then I wanted to stay with you, but I didn’t know if us being together would work. Now, I know we do, I know how much I love you, and I know we’re meant to be together.”

Sha’re stretched up and kissed him again, “Jack is waiting for you, are you ready?”

Nodding, Daniel took her hand, “I am.”

He murmured a soft goodbye to his office and the past before walking out with his wife to head to whatever came next.

Daniel stopped in surprise as they reached the elevator finding Ferretti, Mitchell, Teal’c and, surprisingly, Vala standing there with Jack.

“Making sure I leave?” Daniel asked with a slight smile.

Mitchell saluted, “Look after yourself, Dr Jackson.”

Daniel nodded and accepted the handshake from the other man, “You too.”

Ferretti grinned, “Kids, I will be visiting so keep beer in the fridge.”

“You are always welcome,” Sha’re told him.

“But call first,” Daniel added quickly with an amused smile, accepting the other man’s hand and laughing when Ferretti hugged him quickly before he kissed Sha’re’s cheek.

Teal’c said nothing, simply dipped his head and clasped Daniel’s hand who returned the gesture.

Daniel turned to the other woman standing there looking annoyed, “Vala.”

“They made me come,” she stated.

Resting his hand on her shoulder, Daniel said, “I’m sorry that you’re angry but this was something I needed to do. You know if you try, you might gain another friend.”

Vala frowned before she glanced at where Sha’re stood. Daniel held out his hand to his wife who joined him and gave Vala a smile.

“I would like to get to know you better,” Sha’re told the other woman, “My Dan’iel speaks highly of you.”

“He does?” Vala asked.

Sha’re nodded, “And you know that he does not do that of just anyone.”

Vala stared at her in silence for a few moments before saying, “Look after him. He gets into trouble very easily.”

“I know,” Sha’re laughed, squeezing Daniel’s hand when he looked affronted.

“And you look after her,” Vala told Daniel, “Or I will come after you.”

Daniel gave her a hug, “I promise.”

With a deep breath, Daniel took Sha’re’s hand again before turning to Jack. Surprise filled him to see Landry appear.

“Take care, Dr Jackson,” the other man said.

“Thank you, sir,” Daniel replied, “Take care of the place.”

With Sha’re’s hand in his and Jack at his side, Daniel stepped into the elevator leaving the SGC for the final time as a member of the base.

But with his wife in his life once more, Daniel had hope for the future and knew no matter what came next, he had Sha’re back and they had their life together to look forward to.