icarus | FICLET: The Walls of Jericho, Jack/Daniel. Partlet

The Walls of Jericho - 23 (from part 1 here)
by Icarus

Jack was sprawled out and breathing softly when Daniel returned from his watch. But he was a notoriously light sleeper, so Daniel undressed as quietly as he could, rustling gratefully into his down bag with a satisfied sigh.

Then he saw the green glow of Jack's watch as Jack checked the time. Daniel stared up at the tent ceiling. Shit. Jack's eyes were a dark glimmer in the shadows as he turned towards Daniel.

"What do you want, Daniel?" His voice was low and rough.

"What?" But Daniel knew exactly what he meant.

"You keep bringing it up. Why?"

"I told you -- I'm just concerned."

"Concerned."

Daniel swallowed.

"Okay. More than concerned." He licked his lips. "Jesus, Jack -- you had this big part of your life and I had no clue."

"Unh-huh."

"I just want to know what's going on."

"See, that's where I don't get it." Jack's voice raised slightly. He leaned closer on his elbow. "You do know what's going on. You would've dropped it after the first night."

"Oh? So I'm not allowed to be your friend? Not allowed to care? Jack, I would venture a guess that half the problem is you keep everyone at arm's length."

There was a gulf of silence between them. Then a hand touched Daniel's lips. Followed the line of his jaw.

"At… at arm's length. And you can't do that…"

"I know."

Daniel's breathing came heavier, but he was determined to keep going until he got through to Jack…whose hand slowly, carefully, traced his cheekbone. "Then… then don't."

Daniel shut his eyes. Jack closed the gap between them.

"Okay."

Jack's lips, firm and dry, pressed against his for a long, slow moment. Moved softly, melting against his. They parted to breathe.

"Then… good," Daniel ended, not sure what they were talking about any more.

Jack rolled towards him in a rustle of sleeping bags, his chest warm against Daniel's, eyes steady and intense.

"We'll have to be quiet," he said in a low voice.

"Yeah. No shit," Daniel breathed.

Next part (a leetle, teeny tidbit) is up now.

Are we happy now?