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so_out_of_ideas ([personal profile] so_out_of_ideas) wrote2006-10-04 04:20 am

...I was asleep...

I've got a song stuck in my head. Nickelback. Savin Me. No, it's not a Daniel/Vala playlist song. Also a random scene that is probably going to end up being ficced somewhere in one of my AUs.

I was supposed to be in bed, however, I seem to be quite wide awake and chatting with [livejournal.com profile] teddibear, who just beta'd the two fics I finished tonight.

I figured that since I was up, I might as well post them. They were written for [livejournal.com profile] sg_challenges. The prompt was "New Life", and I DID (do?) have an idea that had nothing to do with babies. Then my brain went banannas and insisted these be written first. I'll have to do the other one later in the week, if I have time.

For now, two RH follow-ups. The first is set about 4 months after the end of the series. They kind of go together, and the second takes place roughly a year and 9 months later. heh. I consider them independent stories, though. Call them a matched set or something.

I've really been wanting to explore Sam and Vala's friendship more in RH. I'm so blessed to have wonderful best friends who are always there for me and who let me reciprocate. That's how I see Sam and Vala in the series, and although I did lay a lot of groundwork for that relationship, I don't feel like I've done enough with it. The impetus for Here and Now was a real life experience I had over the summer, and the new ending is dedicated to [livejournal.com profile] nekkidchick. I love you, baby!





Rediscovered Hearts Parts 1-21 (On the D/V Archive)

Rediscovered Hearts Parts 22-47 (On the D/V Archive)

Title: Hopes and Fears
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: AU Both Vala and Sam have reasons to be fearful...and the assurance of each other's friendship.

Rating: G
Length: Around 1000 words
Category: Angst
Pairings/Charaters:Daniel/Vala and Sam/Jack established; also Sam/Vala friendship
A/N: This is a followup story to Rediscovered Hearts and takes place about 5 1/2 years after Beachhead if Vala hadn't gone to the Ori Galaxy. Links to the series can be found above for anyone interested in reading, but it's not necessary. Just know that Jack's retired and both couples are married. Sam and Jack are still basically newlyweds. I'm sorry I keep hopping all over the timeline. Written for [livejournal.com profile] sg_challenges.




Hopes and Fears


Sam squinted at the results, biting her lip as she tried to figure out exactly what they meant. Her hands were shaking so much, though, that she could barely keep from dropping the white stick in the sink. Vala, perched anxiously on the edge of the bathtub, hopped to her feet and quickly caught Sam's wrist before it fell.

"I don't know--I can't tell," Sam sighed, looking at her friend. "Can you read it?"

Vala took it and screwed her face up in an expression that any other time Sam might have found comical and studied the test for several seconds. Finally, though, she shook her head. "I think you're going to have to do it again."

"Great," Sam raised her eyes to the ceiling.

"Sam, why don't we just go see Carolyn?" Vala asked.

Sam shook her head. "I don't want to yet. Not until I'm sure--well. Kinda sure," she amended, turning to pick up the second pregnancy test kit from the side of the sink. "Guess you were right about buying two."

"Are you worried about Jack?" Vala asked.

Sam didn't respond for a minute, but finally pressed her lips together and nodded. "I just don't know how he's going to feel. He said he wanted to wait another year…"

Vala smiled, drawing the other woman into a hug. "I know exactly how Jack's going to feel," she promised.

***

"Everything all right with Sam?" Daniel asked absently. He didn't look up from his book, and Vala smiled fondly as she let her purse drop onto the table by the bed.

She lowered herself onto her side and lifted a foot to pull off her boot. "Mmm," she replied.

"So, what was the big emergency?" he asked, flipping a page.

Vala didn't reply for a few moments. She took off her other boot and slid under the covers, scooting closer as his arm curled around her. He still hadn't looked up, and she settled her head on his shoulder.

"She's pregnant," she replied, carefully keeping her tone casual.

The book dropped with a thud onto his chest. "She--she's what?" he stammered.

"Pregnant," Vala repeated with a grin.

"Oh, boy…" Daniel sucked in a breath.

"I think they'll be all right," Vala replied, her hand sliding downward to grip his. She bit her lip, suddenly feeling more nervous than she had while waiting for Sam's results. "Daniel…"

"Vala," he sighed, shifting onto his side. His free hand moved to her cheek. "C'mon. You--you remember how hard it was to get pregnant with Manda."

"I know," she replied huskily. "But I want another baby, Daniel. I know you do, too."

"I don't--want either of us…to have to go through that again," he said, shaking his head. "Carolyn told us it could be dangerous."

She felt warm tears begin to fill her eyes and closed them quickly. "If I'm willing, shouldn't you be?" she asked as she felt him release her fingers to cup her face in his hands. Despite her efforts, the tears slid out from the corners of her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

"Yes," Daniel murmured as his lips gently brushed the moisture away.

Vala opened her eyes to look at him, blinking to clear her glistening vision. "Do you really mean that?"

Daniel held her gaze and nodded with absolute certainty. "Yes, Vala, I do. You're right. I'd--I'd love another child. But not if it meant risking you. If anything ever happened to you…well. Anything else. I just…" he trailed off, glancing hurriedly away.

Before he did, she caught the unmistakable flutter of his eyelashes and her hand moved to gently touch his cheek. "Oh, Daniel, look at me," she urged, but he didn't turn for several breaths. When he finally did, she slid her hand to the back of his neck and raised her head to meet his lips. "I've never known you to give up what you wanted because you were afraid of what might happen. And you know I wouldn't. Besides--don't you know that good things come to those who risk it?"

"Those who wait," Daniel laughed, shaking his head.

"Right," Vala nodded. "That's what I said."

Daniel laughed again and slid his arms around her, hugging her tight for a minute. When he released her again, though, his expression was serious. "You're really sure?"

"Positive. In fact, I think we should start right now," she said, flashing him a coy grin before pulling him toward her mouth again.. Both arms coiled around his neck before he could protest. To her surprise, Daniel pulled her closer in response, and as she felt him eagerly return the kiss, the last of her doubts slipped away. She might have been able to manipulate him into agreeing, but there was a warmth and security in the knowledge that she didn't have to--in the assurance that Daniel was as committed and determined to have this baby as she was--a security that Vala felt neither afraid nor ashamed to admit that she needed from him.

***

"How'd it go with Jack last night?" Vala asked as she popped her head into Sam's lab.

"It was all right," Sam grinned, glancing toward the door. "Did you talk to Daniel?"

Vala nodded and stepped inside. "We're going to try," she said as she crossed the room.

"See, I told you," Sam replied with a satisfied smirk, looking back at the computer in front of her.

"So, what did Jack say?" asked Vala, resting her arm lightly on Sam's shoulder.

"Well, once he stopped staring at me with his mouth open, he was happy," the corner of Sam's mouth turned up again.

Vala didn't reply for a second, then broke into a grin. "Can you imagine if we were pregnant together?"

Sam gave her a wide-eyed stare. "Jack and Daniel would go insane!"

"Yep," Vala's grin widened. "It'd be fun."

"Do you think we could?" Sam asked.

Vala glanced down, her brow creasing. "I don't know. We were never sure why we had such trouble conceiving Manda."

Sam's hand moved to her friend's cheek. "Either way," she said with a smile as Vala raised her eyes again. She nodded understanding to the unfinished statement, and Sam let her hand drop, returning her attention to the computer.

"What are you doing, anyway?" Vala asked as Sam maximized a hidden window.

"Mah Jong," Sam replied.

"Oooh, yes!" Vala squealed eagerly. "Did you beat the flat layout yet?"

"No," Sam shook her head. "Help me again?"

"You bet," Vala nodded.













Title: Surprise!
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: AU Daniel returns from off-world and finds a rather big surprise.

Rating: G
Length: Around 1000 words
Category: Fluff/angst
Pairings/Charaters:Daniel/Vala and Sam/Jack established; team friendship.
A/N: This is a followup story to Rediscovered Hearts and takes place about 7 years after Beachhead if Vala hadn't gone to the Ori Galaxy. Links to the series can be found above for anyone interested in reading, but it's not necessary. Just know that Jack's retired and both couples are married. it also helps to be familiar with The Crystal Skull as Daniel's grandfather, Nick, has returned from P7X-377. Writen for [livejournal.com profile] sg_challenges



Surprise!


Four members of SG-l trampled down the ramp, the clanking of their boots echoing loudly throughout the Embarkation Room. Following the rest of his team, Daniel reached up tiredly and pulled the dusty bandanna from his head. It crackled as it slid away, blue sparks of static electricity flying off around it, and his hair rose with it, spiking in all directions.

“Welcome back, SG-1,” General Landry’s voice sounded as they reached the floor. “Good to see you all back in one piece.”

“Thank you, General; it’s good to be back. In one piece that is,” Cam replied as Daniel tried in vain to tame his hair with the fingers of his free hand, his eyes automatically scanning the Gateroom for Vala.

“I’ll expect a full report once Dr. Lam’s cleared you from the infirmary, Colonel,” Landry said. “Dr. Jackson, I'm afraid there's been a problem--”

"What?" his head snapped back toward the general. The rest of the team froze on their way to the door, turning as well. Vala had been on maternity leave, but she wasn't due for another three weeks. Daniel hadn't wanted to accompany SG-1 off-world this time, but she'd insisted that he was being overprotective.

"Everything's okay," Landry held up a hand reassuringly. "The baby arrived last night."

"But--" Daniel felt his chest tighten with fear and self-recrimination. "They're…?"

"Both fine," repeated the general. "And the sooner you're through in the infirmary, the sooner you can see him."

Daniel nodded, his hands coming up to cover his face as he let out a shaky breath. His fingers slowly moved downward and he blinked in surprise. "Him?"

"Did I say him?" Landry frowned, feigning confusion. "I meant them."

"It was…supposed to be a girl…" Daniel said with a bewildered expression.

"You wanna file a complaint, Jackson?" Cam laughed from the doorway. Landry allowed a smile as well and turned to walk back to his office, shaking his head as he went. The team trooped down the hall toward the infirmary, murmuring congratulations and talking excitedly about presents they'd have to bring Vala, since much of what the Jacksons had bought in preparation for the new baby's arrival was feminine. Daniel trailed behind, still looking rather dazed. Sam turned back, frowning worriedly over her shoulder when she saw him staring down at the floor.

“Everything ok, Daniel?” she asked.

“No,” he replied softly. “No, it’s not.”

Cam and Teal'c halted as well, looking questioningly at her from the infirmary entrance. Sam pivoted and walked back to her friend, laying a hand on his arm. His head shot up and he frowned, startled by the touch.

"Daniel, there's no way you could have known this was going to happen," she said.

"Yeah, I know that, Sam. I just…wish there had been. Or that I hadn't left in the first place, I guess," he said.

"You're here now," she reminded him, turning to go inside.

Daniel stood for a moment longer, then finally nodded and followed the team.

***

He was still brooding as he walked through the maternity ward to the private room that Carolyn had arranged for Vala, though it was rather hard to do so with Teal'c in front of him loaded down with Mylar balloons, a teddy bear, and flowers for Vala. The sight of Manda comfortably ensconced in the hospital bed with Vala's arm around her finally brought a genuine smile to his lips, and he walked up to the bed. Nick reached to give his arm a squeeze in congratulations, and he returned the gesture, glad at least that his grandfather had been able to be here for Vala.

One year old Carter O'Neill, whom Jack had somehow managed to sneak in with despite restrictions against child visitors who weren't family, shrieked happily at the sight of Sam. She grinned in response and hurried over to lift him from his father's arms.

Manda's eyes went wide at the sight of the presents that Teal'c and Cam were toting for a moment, then she turned a grin up at Daniel. "Daddy!"

"How's my girl?" he asked softly.

"Fine," she answered, looking meaningfully down at the blue-wrapped bundle that Vala was helping her hold. "Look!"

"Who's that?" asked Daniel, moving the blanket slightly to peek at the tiny, wrinkled pink face of his son.

"My baby!" Manda declared, bobbing her chin for emphasis.

"Your baby?" Daniel's eyebrows rose in surprise as the rest of the team began to laugh.

Vala smiled as well, reaching out a gentle hand to touch her daughter's cheek. Manda to look at her with a questioning glance. Vala winked. "Can we share the baby?"

Manda frowned in consideration. Her bottom lip jutted out thoughtfully for a few seconds, then she nodded agreement and looked back at Daniel. "Our baby."

The ripple of laughter that had been running through the room became a roar. The baby let out a startled squall and everyone quickly stifled their amusement while Vala soothed him. Sam turned her attention back to the boy in her arms and gave his nose a tweak.

"How's my baby?" she asked.

"Oh, I'm fine," Jack spoke up dryly.

"Not you!" she laughed, her free hand reaching to give his head a playful swat.

Daniel chuckled and walked around the bed to kiss Vala's temple. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She nodded quietly but didn't move her head away from his lips. Her hand drifted briefly up touch his cheek. "We're going to have to name him," she laughed shakily.

"You two really gotta start thinkin' up names for your kids before you have 'em," Jack remarked.

"Well, we had one this time," Daniel sighed. "Meredith doesn't work very well for a boy."

"Works for McKay," Jack shrugged.

"McKay?" repeated Daniel.

"Sure. That's his name. He kinda changed it," Jack explained.

"Which…would be my point…" Daniel replied.

"Right," Jack nodded.

Daniel shook his head, his eyes drifting back across the room to his grandfather. "I have a better idea," he smiled.

Nick's eyes widened in surprise and he laid a questioning hand on his chest. "Me--you mean--?"

"I can't think of a name I'd like better," Vala spoke up.

Daniel grinned and moved to take the baby from Manda. Yep, he thought as he proudly carried Nicky over to his grandfather. That name will be just perfect for my son.



[identity profile] stargatefangurl.livejournal.com 2006-10-04 02:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Smeesh. You're up late!

Love the fics too. Yay! Nicky's finally been born!

[identity profile] so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com 2006-10-04 02:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks. I just got an idea to add a scene to Hope and Fears. I was hoping I could get it done before anyone read it, but oh well. Good morning!

[identity profile] stargatefangurl.livejournal.com 2006-10-04 02:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Heh. Oops... Good morning too!

[identity profile] so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com 2006-10-04 03:42 pm (UTC)(link)
There. Scene added. Are you still online? I saw you on MSN for a minute and then you poofed before I could say hi.

[identity profile] stargatefangurl.livejournal.com 2006-10-04 03:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Er...sorta. I'm supposed to be vacuuming/cleaning house. Obviously I'm not. Heh.
ext_51730: (Lets make babies!)

[identity profile] ausiewanab.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
Glad to see someone else keeps getting this song stuck in their head. I keep hearing it on the BSG commercials and then I'm stuck with it all day.

[identity profile] so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 01:34 am (UTC)(link)
So THAT'S where it's coming from!! Argh!

[identity profile] hopalong-pxp.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
Sweet!

Of course, now I have to go back and read rediscovered hearts, and I haven't the time!

[identity profile] so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks. Don't worry, RH isn't going anywhere. It's a VERY long series, so I know people probably haven't read all of it anyway.

[identity profile] avitargirl.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 04:03 am (UTC)(link)
u sure it's not a d/v song? I made a video for that a while back! LOL!
Oh and that part in "surprise" about the baby naming cracks me up! especailly since Meredith is my name!

[identity profile] so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
Did you vid that? lol. Well, for me that song already has significance attached, but I suppose someone could see it as DV.

That's too funny about the name. I didn't know that. Maybe in my OTHER AU they should have a baby girl named Meridith...hmmm...

[identity profile] avitargirl.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 08:24 pm (UTC)(link)
LOL! that's funny! yeah i made a vid for it. it's here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCR1-Ghdvm4

and that would be funny about the fic idea! :)

[identity profile] so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
wow, that vid's awesome. Got a downloadable version? I wanna keep it. Which really says something, because the song is so not Daniel/Vala to me usually.

[identity profile] avitargirl.livejournal.com 2006-10-07 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
no i don't have it as a downloadable version...yet! LOL, i'll try and upload it tonight while i'm doing my homework. :)

[identity profile] nekkidchick.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 05:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Heh.

I wonder if Sam is as fabulous as I am and can beat the flat one... *wink*

♥ ♥ I love you, too. ♥ ♥

[identity profile] nekkidchick.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 05:56 pm (UTC)(link)
That's because I am the Mah Jong QUEEN.

[identity profile] so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 05:57 pm (UTC)(link)
wahwahwahwahwah...

except it made the right noise this time. Freakin' MSN.

[identity profile] so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com 2006-10-05 05:59 pm (UTC)(link)
*laughing guy*

[identity profile] teddibear.livejournal.com 2006-10-10 02:59 am (UTC)(link)
Oh I so love the new ending on the first one. You took what I suggested and made it so much better as always :) Hee! Both rock.

I'm about 3/4 done with RH on paper. I need to convert it to the actual word doc and get them over to you. Heh.

Probably another week or so for everything to be done. Been getting swamped at work. LOL.

*hugs*

[identity profile] so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com 2006-10-10 03:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks. No rush on RH.

In the shower this morning my brain went and exploded with a big long story idea. *sigh* I think it might be the beginning of the RH sequel series, though, so it could be a good thing...