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so_out_of_ideas) wrote2007-02-02 09:46 pm
so_out_of_ideas) wrote2007-02-02 09:46 pm
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I don't know how much more ridiculous this series can get, but it sure is fun to write. We can thank ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ladybeth for giving me the Macarena idea. We're getting a bad storm, so I can almost guarantee another update before the weekend is over. The Sam/Vala friendship is definately based on my best friends and I--love you, guys--but I think I've kept them well in character. Comments are appreciated. I find Sam tough to write sometimes, and her friendship with Vala has a big part to play in upcoming chapters.
The Games People Play
Parts 1 & 2
Parts 3-10
Parts 11 & 12
Title: A Conspiracy of Friends
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: AU "ColonelMitchell has a plan..." Teal'c explained.
Rating: G
Length: Around 1200 words
Category: Angst/Humor
Pairings/Charaters: Daniel/Vala; team friendship
A/N: Part 13 of The Games People Play. The series follows current cannon to the end of 10x09, Company of Thieves. Takes place around Thanksgiving. Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
fic101.
A Conspiracy of Friends
Vala stomped back into Sam's office and gave the desk a swift kick. Her friend looked up from the brochures with a start. "Ooooooh, he makes me so angry!" Vala declared, balling her hands into fists in frustration.
"What happened?" Sam asked.
"He doesn't want to go," Vala replied.
"We already knew that," frowned Sam.
"No, I mean, he really doesn't want to go. He says that I spend all our time together dragging him around to do what I want. I told him if he feels that way, then fine. We'll just go by ourselves," Vala related with a determined nod.
"Are you sure that's what you want?" Sam asked, her forehead crinkling in disbelief.
Vala paused, then nodded again. "Maybe it's a good idea that we spend some time apart. We're always together--offworld, here in the mountain, even during our downtime now. A week apart will do us both good."
Sam bit her lip thoughtfully. "The trip won't be much fun without the guys.
"Of course it will," insisted Vala, casually leaning her hip against the desk. "We don't need them to have fun, do we?"
"No," Sam shook her head in agreement. "But I really think you should talk to Daniel, Vala. Don't use the trip as an escape for a relationship problem."
"Oh, I'll talk to him. After he apologizes," Vala said flatly.
***
Daniel stormed into the locker room and brushed past Cam and Teal'c, giving the lockers a hard kick. His teammates turned to watch, and Teal'c raised an eyebrow. "She just makes me so mad!" he gritted.
"Uh oh," Cam said, hiding a smile.
"What has ValaMalDoran done?" Teal'c asked.
"They're still looking pamphlets for that ski trip," he said with a shake of his head.
"Personally, I don't think a week at a ski lodge is such a bad idea," Cam replied.
"I don't like skiing. And--and I guess I'm tired of spending all my downtime doing what she wants. Look at everything we've done in the last month." Daniel sighed.
"You raised no objections at the time," Teal'c reminded him.
"Well, I did this time. I told her I didn't want to go, and she--she says, 'All you ever want to do is stay home with your nose in a book!' Well, if all she wants me to be is--is--is some toy to play with then--then--"
"Jackson," Cam cut him off. "You're getting yourself all worked up over nothing."
"Whaddaya mean nothing?" demanded Daniel.
"She don't mean it that way. She's just used to makin' her own rules," Cam shrugged.
"Yeah, well, maybe I'm tired of making exceptions for her," Daniel replied, shaking his head in disgust.
Cam winced and shook his head. "Y'know, Jackson, there are easier ways to leave a woman."
Daniel's eyes bulged. "What? Who--who said anything about leaving her?"
"I told you I smelled a wedding," Cam commented, turning to Teal'c with a smirk.
"Indeed," the Jaffa agreed.
"Aw, c'mon!" Daniel shoved his hands through his hair. "Will you guys just cut it out!"
***
They were coolly civil all week. Even offworld, Daniel and Vala treated each other with professional politeness and kept their distance. The girls picked a resort and made reservations. Cam and Teal'c decided to conduct their own ski weekend, conveniently taking a room across the hall, and Daniel set about compiling the stack of books that he planned to read during his week off. On Thursday night, he called Jack to ask about his plans for Thanksgiving Day and found out that Sam had already invited him to meet the rest of SG-1 at the lodge.
Friday morning, Cam and Teal'c walked into Sam's lab and shut the door. She turned away from her computer and smiled, getting up to take the extra coffee from Teal'c's hand. "You guys sure you don't want to car pool tonight?" she offered.
"That is, in fact, our reason for coming," Teal'c replied.
"Oh yeah?" Sam asked.
"ColonelMitchell has a plan which he believes will convince both DanielJackson and ValaMalDoran to apologize," he explained.
***
She was sitting in the dim commissary alone. Most of the base personnel had left already and the room was almost empty. Her chin was propped on her fist and, and she was flipping a page in her book as he walked in. She jerked her head up at the sound of his approach and forced a smile.
"Can--can I sit down?" Daniel asked hopefully.
Vala nodded.
"Thanks for seeing me," he said as he slid into the chair opposite her.
"Sam said you wanted to apologize…" Vala trailed off, biting her lip.
His mouth popped open. "She what?"
"I've been thinking, darling, and maybe I--what?" she frowned.
"Mitchell said you wanted to apologize!" Daniel exclaimed.
"He what?" Vala stared in disbelief. Quickly shoving back her chair, she snatched the book off the table and jumped to her feet. "Well, I'm not apologizing until you apologize!"
"Come on, Vala, this is exactly what I'm talking about," Daniel scrambled up as well. "Everything's gotta be your way!"
"What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded hotly.
"What difference does it make who apologizes first?" he sighed.
"Why should I apologize when you're the one who's wrong?" she retorted.
Daniel opened his mouth and shut it again, shaking his head. "You know, forget it. Just forget the whole thing," he said, turning to leave.
"Fine," she snapped, spinning in the opposite direction.
Daniel took two strides and halted, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "Vala."
"What?" she froze as well.
"I'm sorry," he said softly as he turned around again.
Vala whirled around again with a huff. "You're sorry?"
"Yes!" Daniel grit his teeth, stomping toward her.
"Well," she smiled. "I'm sorry, too."
Daniel's eyes widened in surprise. "Wh--you are?"
"Mmm-hmm," she nodded.
"Well then, why did you--?" he broke off in confusion.
"Because you always look so cute when you're flustered, darling. I simply couldn't resist," she replied.
Daniel raised his eyes to the ceiling and sighed, but Vala laid a hand on his cheek, and her tone became serious. "Daniel, do you really feel as if you have no say in what we do?" she frowned.
"Sometimes," he admitted with a nod. "But I shouldn't have talked to you the way I did."
"I didn't mean to make you feel that way," she shook her head.
"I know. Vala, I enjoy spending time with you--and--and maybe there are times when I need someone to remind me that there are other things besides work and my books. But sometimes--sometimes I just really do want to stay home," he said.
"I understand, darling. I'll tell Sam the trip's off," Vala decided.
Daniel gave a grateful smile. "You don't have to."
She shook her head. "It's all right. I really didn't want to go if you weren't."
"Vala, I'll go with you," he told her.
"Are you sure?" she asked hopefully.
"Mmm-hmm," Daniel nodded, then dipped his head to brush her lips with his.
Vala's arms curled around his neck as he drew away, and she pulled him back, returning the kiss ardently. Then, she murmured, "Thank you, darling. And I promise, the next time we have some downtime, we'll do whatever you like."
"Thank you," Daniel smiled.
"Even if I'm bored out of my mind…"
Title: Lost and Found
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: AU Daniel went wandering through as they were watching Wheel of Fortune, paused long enough to solve the puzzle, then walked off mumbling to himself...
Rating: G
Length: Around 300 words
Category: Humor
Pairings/Charaters: Daniel/Vala; team friendship
A/N: Part 14 of The Games People Play. The series follows current cannon to the end of 10x09, Company of Thieves. Takes place around Thanksgiving. Written forfic101.
Lost and Found
The cabins adjacent to the main lodge were all occupied, and switching rooms would have resulted in Sam having to room with Cam and Teal'c. Daniel accepted the offer of a cot in their room without complaint, feeling that his behavior over the past week had already come close to spoiling the team's Thanksgiving plans.
They were more than an hour late leaving town on Friday night, since Daniel had to go back home and pack, but the rest of SG-1 took the delay in stride. While the archaeologist rooted around in three different closets searching for various pieces of luggage and winter clothes, the team lounged in his living room. Cam and Vala argued over the remote control until Teal'c finally settled the dispute by taking it himself. Daniel went wandering through as they were watching Wheel of Fortune, paused long enough to solve the puzzle, then walked off mumbling to himself about missing long johns.
"Aw, come on, Daniel!" Sam complained, reaching behind her to pull a pillow off of the couch and fling it at his disappearing back.
"Just because you know everything doesn't mean the don't want to play, darling," Vala called after him.
The only response was the loud clatter of falling objects, followed by an even bigger thud. Vala sprang off the arm of the couch and ran into the bedroom, followed only seconds later by the rest of the team. They found Daniel on the floor outside the closet, half buried under a pile of books, clothes, and suitcases. Hanging over his shoulder was a pair of long underwear.
"Hey, Jackson," Cam laughed. "Found your long johns."
Title: Dance With Me
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: AU "It's…called the Macarena," Daniel explained, running a hand over his face.
Rating: PG-13-there's mention of dirty dancing, but it's all in good fun and not graphic or anything.
Length: Around 1300 words
Category: Humor; bit of a songfic toward the end but hopefully not annoying.
Pairings/Charaters: Daniel/Vala; ; hints of Sam/Jack; team friendship
A/N: Part 15 of The Games People Play. The series follows current cannon to the end of 10x09, Company of Thieves. Takes place around Thanksgiving. Written forfic101.
Dance With Me
Jack was waiting to meet them at the lodge, but he didn't see them when they arrived. Several other guests were gathered on couches drinking hot chocolate or leaning casually against the wall. Everyone's gaze was focused on a small group in front of the fireplace, which seemed to be led by an obese white haired tourist and his teenaged granddaughters. A boom box sat on the floor in front of them, issuing what, to everyone but Vala, was a horribly familiar Latin dance beat.
"Is it just me or does that guy look exactly like Nerus?" Cam asked.
"What are they doing?" Vala wanted to know.
"It's…called the Macarena," Daniel explained, running a hand over his face.
"It looks like…"
"No," Daniel said flatly.
"So knew that was comin'," Cam snorted as he and Sam walked over to the desk to check in.
"Indeed," smirked Teal'c, who was loaded down with the team's bags. He walked calmly off after Sam, and Daniel let out a sigh.
"What?" Vala asked, looking from one teammate to the next with wide eyes.
Shaking his head, Daniel took her elbow, guiding her over to the couch where Jack was watching the performance. The general looked up as they approached, his face breaking into a wide grin.
"Daniel!"
"Jack…?" came the response.
"Changed his mind for him, huh, Vala?" Jack asked, half standing to offer her his hand.
"Not this time, General," she smiled.
"Enough with the General stuff. It's Jack," he told her.
"Jack," she nodded.
Daniel smiled a little and lowered himself onto the couch. Vala immediately appropriated his lap, and Jack shook his head. The two men fell to small talk about their respective trips to the resort, and Vala's attention drifted off to the giggling girls and their grandfather.
Everyone else joined them soon after, and Teal'c finally set down the luggage while Sam and Cameron handed out room keys. He was about to pick the stuff up again when the music came to a halt and two of the dancers pled exhaustion and retired to an empty loveseat.
"Anyone else want to dance with us?" one of the girls asked, looking around hopefully.
"We will!" Vala grinned, grabbing Daniel's hand and hopping off his lap. He tensed, and she released his fingers, remembering a moment too late what had caused their recent argument. Biting her lip, she awkwardly amended. "I will."
Teal'c hesitated for a moment, but as she stepped away from the couch alone, he shucked off his coat. "I will accompany you, ValaMalDoran," he said.
Vala half turned in surprise, then smiled brightly. Teal'c inclined his head and gestured for her to lead the way. She scampered off to shake hands with the family of tourists, while Teal'c placidly followed with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Hi, I'm Vala," she said. "This is…"
"Murray," supplied Teal'c.
"Larry," replied the grandfather. "These are my granddaughters, Jennifer and Jessica."
"Nice to meet you," Vala nodded.
"Have you guys done the Macarena before?" Jennifer asked.
"We have not," Teal'c admitted.
"But we learn fast," Vala winked.
The team slid out of coats and hats and watched in open-mouthed astonishment as Teal'c and Vala began to follow the Nerus-lookalike through the steps of the Macarena. Teal'c caught on suspiciously fast for someone who'd never done the dance before, and Vala took to it with predictable ease. By the third time through the steps, both of them looked as if they had been doing the Macarena for years. Cam and Jack laughed and egged the pair on, while Sam covered her face with her hand. Daniel, who understood both the English and Spanish parts of the dance mix, looked more and more horrified as it went on.
"Come on, all of you," Vala laughed after a few minutes. "Are you going to let us have all the fun?"
"I believe they are afraid that they cannot successfully perform the steps," Teal'c told her with a conspiratorial look.
"Whoa!" Cam leapt off the couch. "Hold on, there! Ain't nobody said I couldn't do it."
"Let's see," challenged Vala.
"All right then, you got it," he nodded sharply, walking up to join them.
"Sam, you too," Vala encouraged.
The other woman started to shake her head, then bit her lip thoughtfully and finally got up. "Okay, one time."
"Sam, you gotta be kidding me," Daniel gaped.
"Hey, where's your team spirit?" she asked him with a teasing grin.
"I think I left it in the car…"
Sam shook her head, turning speculatively toward Jack. His laughter suddenly broke off and he stared at her open-mouthed for several seconds. She folded her arms, but he shook his head vehemently.
"I don't think so, Carter. There is no way you're getting me up there," he insisted.
"We don't need them anyway," Vala spoke up, grabbing her friend's arm with a wink.
"Wha…?" Jack turned questioningly to Daniel.
The archaeologist raised his eyes to the ceiling and sighed. "Here we go."
"What?" repeated Jack.
In response, Daniel gestured toward Vala, who was walking Sam slowly through the motions of the dance while Teal'c demonstrated for Cameron. Both women quickly broke out laughing, and Cam paused his hands on his neck to watch their progress. Teal'c glanced over his shoulder and gave a slight smile, then returned his attention to Mitchell and raised an eyebrow.
"Right," Cam sighed, moving his hands from his neck to the opposite hips.
"Are you certain that you have not performed the Macarena before, ColonelMitchell?" Teal'c asked.
"No! I mean yes!"
It took several more run-throughs before Sam could keep the beat without messing up a step, but once she could, Vala glanced toward Daniel and Jack again and grabbed her hands. Sam frowned questioningly, then gasped with shock as Vala started to gyrate her hips.
"Yep, didn't see that coming either," Daniel muttered sardonically.
"Go ahead," Vala whispered encouragingly.
Sam shook her head, glancing nervously toward the couch, but Vala reached quickly to turn her face back. She bit her lip, but Vala finally coaxed her into a few halfhearted hip motions, and Jack's jaw dropped. Cam froze in disbelief, and Teal'c turned to face them.
Curious, he stepped toward the women, lifting an eyebrow as he caught Vala's eye. She grinned and pivoted to stand in front of him. Sam stood back with obvious relief, and both she and Cameron trying valiantly not to crack up as Vala guided the Jaffa through a clumsy bump and grind. Jack collapsed against the back of the couch, covering his face with his hands in hysterics, and even Daniel broke into a grin.
Now don't you worry about my boyfriend
The boy whose name is Vitorino
I don't want him, couldn't stand him
Then, Teal'c began to catch on. Daniel's smile flickered and became a frown. Cam smirked and walked up in front of Vala.
He was no good, so I…
Daniel's mouth popped open, and Jack clasped a restraining hand on his arm.
"That's exactly what they want," the general reminded him.
Now, come on. What was I supposed to do?
He was out of town, and his two friends were sooo fine--
"That's it!" Daniel exclaimed, shoving himself off the couch. The dancers halted and Cam and Teal'c each moved away from Vala, Cam laughing and Teal'c with an unusually wide smile. He inclined his head to Daniel, who made a grab for Vala, but she darted playfully out of reach.
"No, darling. You don't get to do that until you can do this," she winked, beginning the Macarena again.
Daniel scowled, and Sam grinned as he awkwardly began to mimic Vala's movements. She walked back to the couch and leaned casually against the arm, giving Jack a long look.
"So. You're not really gonna let the new guy show you up, are you, sir?"
ladybeth for giving me the Macarena idea. We're getting a bad storm, so I can almost guarantee another update before the weekend is over. The Sam/Vala friendship is definately based on my best friends and I--love you, guys--but I think I've kept them well in character. Comments are appreciated. I find Sam tough to write sometimes, and her friendship with Vala has a big part to play in upcoming chapters.Parts 1 & 2
Parts 3-10
Parts 11 & 12
Title: A Conspiracy of Friends
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: AU "ColonelMitchell has a plan..." Teal'c explained.
Rating: G
Length: Around 1200 words
Category: Angst/Humor
Pairings/Charaters: Daniel/Vala; team friendship
A/N: Part 13 of The Games People Play. The series follows current cannon to the end of 10x09, Company of Thieves. Takes place around Thanksgiving. Written for
fic101.Vala stomped back into Sam's office and gave the desk a swift kick. Her friend looked up from the brochures with a start. "Ooooooh, he makes me so angry!" Vala declared, balling her hands into fists in frustration.
"What happened?" Sam asked.
"He doesn't want to go," Vala replied.
"We already knew that," frowned Sam.
"No, I mean, he really doesn't want to go. He says that I spend all our time together dragging him around to do what I want. I told him if he feels that way, then fine. We'll just go by ourselves," Vala related with a determined nod.
"Are you sure that's what you want?" Sam asked, her forehead crinkling in disbelief.
Vala paused, then nodded again. "Maybe it's a good idea that we spend some time apart. We're always together--offworld, here in the mountain, even during our downtime now. A week apart will do us both good."
Sam bit her lip thoughtfully. "The trip won't be much fun without the guys.
"Of course it will," insisted Vala, casually leaning her hip against the desk. "We don't need them to have fun, do we?"
"No," Sam shook her head in agreement. "But I really think you should talk to Daniel, Vala. Don't use the trip as an escape for a relationship problem."
"Oh, I'll talk to him. After he apologizes," Vala said flatly.
***
Daniel stormed into the locker room and brushed past Cam and Teal'c, giving the lockers a hard kick. His teammates turned to watch, and Teal'c raised an eyebrow. "She just makes me so mad!" he gritted.
"Uh oh," Cam said, hiding a smile.
"What has ValaMalDoran done?" Teal'c asked.
"They're still looking pamphlets for that ski trip," he said with a shake of his head.
"Personally, I don't think a week at a ski lodge is such a bad idea," Cam replied.
"I don't like skiing. And--and I guess I'm tired of spending all my downtime doing what she wants. Look at everything we've done in the last month." Daniel sighed.
"You raised no objections at the time," Teal'c reminded him.
"Well, I did this time. I told her I didn't want to go, and she--she says, 'All you ever want to do is stay home with your nose in a book!' Well, if all she wants me to be is--is--is some toy to play with then--then--"
"Jackson," Cam cut him off. "You're getting yourself all worked up over nothing."
"Whaddaya mean nothing?" demanded Daniel.
"She don't mean it that way. She's just used to makin' her own rules," Cam shrugged.
"Yeah, well, maybe I'm tired of making exceptions for her," Daniel replied, shaking his head in disgust.
Cam winced and shook his head. "Y'know, Jackson, there are easier ways to leave a woman."
Daniel's eyes bulged. "What? Who--who said anything about leaving her?"
"I told you I smelled a wedding," Cam commented, turning to Teal'c with a smirk.
"Indeed," the Jaffa agreed.
"Aw, c'mon!" Daniel shoved his hands through his hair. "Will you guys just cut it out!"
***
They were coolly civil all week. Even offworld, Daniel and Vala treated each other with professional politeness and kept their distance. The girls picked a resort and made reservations. Cam and Teal'c decided to conduct their own ski weekend, conveniently taking a room across the hall, and Daniel set about compiling the stack of books that he planned to read during his week off. On Thursday night, he called Jack to ask about his plans for Thanksgiving Day and found out that Sam had already invited him to meet the rest of SG-1 at the lodge.
Friday morning, Cam and Teal'c walked into Sam's lab and shut the door. She turned away from her computer and smiled, getting up to take the extra coffee from Teal'c's hand. "You guys sure you don't want to car pool tonight?" she offered.
"That is, in fact, our reason for coming," Teal'c replied.
"Oh yeah?" Sam asked.
"ColonelMitchell has a plan which he believes will convince both DanielJackson and ValaMalDoran to apologize," he explained.
***
She was sitting in the dim commissary alone. Most of the base personnel had left already and the room was almost empty. Her chin was propped on her fist and, and she was flipping a page in her book as he walked in. She jerked her head up at the sound of his approach and forced a smile.
"Can--can I sit down?" Daniel asked hopefully.
Vala nodded.
"Thanks for seeing me," he said as he slid into the chair opposite her.
"Sam said you wanted to apologize…" Vala trailed off, biting her lip.
His mouth popped open. "She what?"
"I've been thinking, darling, and maybe I--what?" she frowned.
"Mitchell said you wanted to apologize!" Daniel exclaimed.
"He what?" Vala stared in disbelief. Quickly shoving back her chair, she snatched the book off the table and jumped to her feet. "Well, I'm not apologizing until you apologize!"
"Come on, Vala, this is exactly what I'm talking about," Daniel scrambled up as well. "Everything's gotta be your way!"
"What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded hotly.
"What difference does it make who apologizes first?" he sighed.
"Why should I apologize when you're the one who's wrong?" she retorted.
Daniel opened his mouth and shut it again, shaking his head. "You know, forget it. Just forget the whole thing," he said, turning to leave.
"Fine," she snapped, spinning in the opposite direction.
Daniel took two strides and halted, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "Vala."
"What?" she froze as well.
"I'm sorry," he said softly as he turned around again.
Vala whirled around again with a huff. "You're sorry?"
"Yes!" Daniel grit his teeth, stomping toward her.
"Well," she smiled. "I'm sorry, too."
Daniel's eyes widened in surprise. "Wh--you are?"
"Mmm-hmm," she nodded.
"Well then, why did you--?" he broke off in confusion.
"Because you always look so cute when you're flustered, darling. I simply couldn't resist," she replied.
Daniel raised his eyes to the ceiling and sighed, but Vala laid a hand on his cheek, and her tone became serious. "Daniel, do you really feel as if you have no say in what we do?" she frowned.
"Sometimes," he admitted with a nod. "But I shouldn't have talked to you the way I did."
"I didn't mean to make you feel that way," she shook her head.
"I know. Vala, I enjoy spending time with you--and--and maybe there are times when I need someone to remind me that there are other things besides work and my books. But sometimes--sometimes I just really do want to stay home," he said.
"I understand, darling. I'll tell Sam the trip's off," Vala decided.
Daniel gave a grateful smile. "You don't have to."
She shook her head. "It's all right. I really didn't want to go if you weren't."
"Vala, I'll go with you," he told her.
"Are you sure?" she asked hopefully.
"Mmm-hmm," Daniel nodded, then dipped his head to brush her lips with his.
Vala's arms curled around his neck as he drew away, and she pulled him back, returning the kiss ardently. Then, she murmured, "Thank you, darling. And I promise, the next time we have some downtime, we'll do whatever you like."
"Thank you," Daniel smiled.
"Even if I'm bored out of my mind…"
Title: Lost and Found
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: AU Daniel went wandering through as they were watching Wheel of Fortune, paused long enough to solve the puzzle, then walked off mumbling to himself...
Rating: G
Length: Around 300 words
Category: Humor
Pairings/Charaters: Daniel/Vala; team friendship
A/N: Part 14 of The Games People Play. The series follows current cannon to the end of 10x09, Company of Thieves. Takes place around Thanksgiving. Written for
fic101.The cabins adjacent to the main lodge were all occupied, and switching rooms would have resulted in Sam having to room with Cam and Teal'c. Daniel accepted the offer of a cot in their room without complaint, feeling that his behavior over the past week had already come close to spoiling the team's Thanksgiving plans.
They were more than an hour late leaving town on Friday night, since Daniel had to go back home and pack, but the rest of SG-1 took the delay in stride. While the archaeologist rooted around in three different closets searching for various pieces of luggage and winter clothes, the team lounged in his living room. Cam and Vala argued over the remote control until Teal'c finally settled the dispute by taking it himself. Daniel went wandering through as they were watching Wheel of Fortune, paused long enough to solve the puzzle, then walked off mumbling to himself about missing long johns.
"Aw, come on, Daniel!" Sam complained, reaching behind her to pull a pillow off of the couch and fling it at his disappearing back.
"Just because you know everything doesn't mean the don't want to play, darling," Vala called after him.
The only response was the loud clatter of falling objects, followed by an even bigger thud. Vala sprang off the arm of the couch and ran into the bedroom, followed only seconds later by the rest of the team. They found Daniel on the floor outside the closet, half buried under a pile of books, clothes, and suitcases. Hanging over his shoulder was a pair of long underwear.
"Hey, Jackson," Cam laughed. "Found your long johns."
Title: Dance With Me
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: AU "It's…called the Macarena," Daniel explained, running a hand over his face.
Rating: PG-13-there's mention of dirty dancing, but it's all in good fun and not graphic or anything.
Length: Around 1300 words
Category: Humor; bit of a songfic toward the end but hopefully not annoying.
Pairings/Charaters: Daniel/Vala; ; hints of Sam/Jack; team friendship
A/N: Part 15 of The Games People Play. The series follows current cannon to the end of 10x09, Company of Thieves. Takes place around Thanksgiving. Written for
fic101.Jack was waiting to meet them at the lodge, but he didn't see them when they arrived. Several other guests were gathered on couches drinking hot chocolate or leaning casually against the wall. Everyone's gaze was focused on a small group in front of the fireplace, which seemed to be led by an obese white haired tourist and his teenaged granddaughters. A boom box sat on the floor in front of them, issuing what, to everyone but Vala, was a horribly familiar Latin dance beat.
"Is it just me or does that guy look exactly like Nerus?" Cam asked.
"What are they doing?" Vala wanted to know.
"It's…called the Macarena," Daniel explained, running a hand over his face.
"It looks like…"
"No," Daniel said flatly.
"So knew that was comin'," Cam snorted as he and Sam walked over to the desk to check in.
"Indeed," smirked Teal'c, who was loaded down with the team's bags. He walked calmly off after Sam, and Daniel let out a sigh.
"What?" Vala asked, looking from one teammate to the next with wide eyes.
Shaking his head, Daniel took her elbow, guiding her over to the couch where Jack was watching the performance. The general looked up as they approached, his face breaking into a wide grin.
"Daniel!"
"Jack…?" came the response.
"Changed his mind for him, huh, Vala?" Jack asked, half standing to offer her his hand.
"Not this time, General," she smiled.
"Enough with the General stuff. It's Jack," he told her.
"Jack," she nodded.
Daniel smiled a little and lowered himself onto the couch. Vala immediately appropriated his lap, and Jack shook his head. The two men fell to small talk about their respective trips to the resort, and Vala's attention drifted off to the giggling girls and their grandfather.
Everyone else joined them soon after, and Teal'c finally set down the luggage while Sam and Cameron handed out room keys. He was about to pick the stuff up again when the music came to a halt and two of the dancers pled exhaustion and retired to an empty loveseat.
"Anyone else want to dance with us?" one of the girls asked, looking around hopefully.
"We will!" Vala grinned, grabbing Daniel's hand and hopping off his lap. He tensed, and she released his fingers, remembering a moment too late what had caused their recent argument. Biting her lip, she awkwardly amended. "I will."
Teal'c hesitated for a moment, but as she stepped away from the couch alone, he shucked off his coat. "I will accompany you, ValaMalDoran," he said.
Vala half turned in surprise, then smiled brightly. Teal'c inclined his head and gestured for her to lead the way. She scampered off to shake hands with the family of tourists, while Teal'c placidly followed with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Hi, I'm Vala," she said. "This is…"
"Murray," supplied Teal'c.
"Larry," replied the grandfather. "These are my granddaughters, Jennifer and Jessica."
"Nice to meet you," Vala nodded.
"Have you guys done the Macarena before?" Jennifer asked.
"We have not," Teal'c admitted.
"But we learn fast," Vala winked.
The team slid out of coats and hats and watched in open-mouthed astonishment as Teal'c and Vala began to follow the Nerus-lookalike through the steps of the Macarena. Teal'c caught on suspiciously fast for someone who'd never done the dance before, and Vala took to it with predictable ease. By the third time through the steps, both of them looked as if they had been doing the Macarena for years. Cam and Jack laughed and egged the pair on, while Sam covered her face with her hand. Daniel, who understood both the English and Spanish parts of the dance mix, looked more and more horrified as it went on.
"Come on, all of you," Vala laughed after a few minutes. "Are you going to let us have all the fun?"
"I believe they are afraid that they cannot successfully perform the steps," Teal'c told her with a conspiratorial look.
"Whoa!" Cam leapt off the couch. "Hold on, there! Ain't nobody said I couldn't do it."
"Let's see," challenged Vala.
"All right then, you got it," he nodded sharply, walking up to join them.
"Sam, you too," Vala encouraged.
The other woman started to shake her head, then bit her lip thoughtfully and finally got up. "Okay, one time."
"Sam, you gotta be kidding me," Daniel gaped.
"Hey, where's your team spirit?" she asked him with a teasing grin.
"I think I left it in the car…"
Sam shook her head, turning speculatively toward Jack. His laughter suddenly broke off and he stared at her open-mouthed for several seconds. She folded her arms, but he shook his head vehemently.
"I don't think so, Carter. There is no way you're getting me up there," he insisted.
"We don't need them anyway," Vala spoke up, grabbing her friend's arm with a wink.
"Wha…?" Jack turned questioningly to Daniel.
The archaeologist raised his eyes to the ceiling and sighed. "Here we go."
"What?" repeated Jack.
In response, Daniel gestured toward Vala, who was walking Sam slowly through the motions of the dance while Teal'c demonstrated for Cameron. Both women quickly broke out laughing, and Cam paused his hands on his neck to watch their progress. Teal'c glanced over his shoulder and gave a slight smile, then returned his attention to Mitchell and raised an eyebrow.
"Right," Cam sighed, moving his hands from his neck to the opposite hips.
"Are you certain that you have not performed the Macarena before, ColonelMitchell?" Teal'c asked.
"No! I mean yes!"
It took several more run-throughs before Sam could keep the beat without messing up a step, but once she could, Vala glanced toward Daniel and Jack again and grabbed her hands. Sam frowned questioningly, then gasped with shock as Vala started to gyrate her hips.
"Yep, didn't see that coming either," Daniel muttered sardonically.
"Go ahead," Vala whispered encouragingly.
Sam shook her head, glancing nervously toward the couch, but Vala reached quickly to turn her face back. She bit her lip, but Vala finally coaxed her into a few halfhearted hip motions, and Jack's jaw dropped. Cam froze in disbelief, and Teal'c turned to face them.
Curious, he stepped toward the women, lifting an eyebrow as he caught Vala's eye. She grinned and pivoted to stand in front of him. Sam stood back with obvious relief, and both she and Cameron trying valiantly not to crack up as Vala guided the Jaffa through a clumsy bump and grind. Jack collapsed against the back of the couch, covering his face with his hands in hysterics, and even Daniel broke into a grin.
The boy whose name is Vitorino
I don't want him, couldn't stand him
Then, Teal'c began to catch on. Daniel's smile flickered and became a frown. Cam smirked and walked up in front of Vala.
Daniel's mouth popped open, and Jack clasped a restraining hand on his arm.
"That's exactly what they want," the general reminded him.
He was out of town, and his two friends were sooo fine--
"That's it!" Daniel exclaimed, shoving himself off the couch. The dancers halted and Cam and Teal'c each moved away from Vala, Cam laughing and Teal'c with an unusually wide smile. He inclined his head to Daniel, who made a grab for Vala, but she darted playfully out of reach.
"No, darling. You don't get to do that until you can do this," she winked, beginning the Macarena again.
Daniel scowled, and Sam grinned as he awkwardly began to mimic Vala's movements. She walked back to the couch and leaned casually against the arm, giving Jack a long look.
"So. You're not really gonna let the new guy show you up, are you, sir?"