Coming Together

Parts 5-9

By Draggon Flye

 

Danny was used to sleeping alone. He hadn’t shared a bed with another person since he was a little kid and would crawl in with his parents if he had a nightmare or there was a bad storm. So it came as something of a surprise to come awake the next morning and find himself sleeping with his arms flung over Col. Jack’s chest. The moment his position registered, he came awake with a start and scrambled away. Rubbing at his eyes with his fists, he tried frantically to clear away the sleep from his brain and think. How had he gotten here in the first place? The last thing he remembered was falling asleep on the couch. Was he sleepwalking again? Please don’t let him have started that again. He hadn’t done it in over a year, but it had gotten him in so much trouble the last time that he never, ever wanted to do it again. At least Col. Jack was still asleep. Maybe if he were really quiet, he could sneak back to the den and Col. Jack would never know the difference.

 

“Where’re you headed, Sport?” Jack asked before Danny could even get a toe off the bed. A lifetime as a soldier had trained Jack to be constantly aware of his surroundings even in sleep and to come instantly awake at the slightest disturbance. He’d been awake from the moment Danny moved, waiting quietly to see what Danny would do.

 

“I’m sorry,” Danny said automatically, eyes downcast.

 

“Sorry?” Jack repeated, sitting up to get a better look at Danny. “What on earth are you sorry for, Sport?”

 

“I know I was supposed to sleep on the couch…I don’t know how I got here…I must have been sleepwalking again…I’m really, really sorry, please don’t be mad…I didn’t mean to, honest.” The explanation came out in a frantic rush, the words tumbling over one another into a confused mess, made all the more confusing by the fact Danny had his back turned and was creeping further and further away as he spoke.

 

“Whoa, whoa, hold on there, kiddo,” Jack said, struggling to make sense of what Danny was saying. “What do you mean sleepwalking?”

 

“I do that sometimes,” Danny whispered, “or I used to.”

 

“And you don’t remember how you got to bed so you think that must be what happened this time,” Jack went on, slowly putting the pieces together. Danny nodded. “And you’re afraid I might be mad about that?” Jack questioned. Again Danny nodded, clearly miserable. Jack scooted over close enough to lay a gentle hand on Danny’s shoulder. “Why would I be mad about that?”

 

“You said you didn’t want me wandering around after bedtime,” Danny replied quietly.

 

“Yes, I did,” Jack agreed, “but I only meant if you were doing it on purpose and you didn’t have a reason. Are you doing it on purpose when you’re sleepwalking?” Danny shook his head. “Do you even know you’re doing it?” Another head shake. “And can you stop it?”

 

“No, sir,” the answer was so quiet Jack could barely hear it, but he was using his voice, and that was enough.

 

“So why would I be mad at you about something you can’t even control?” Jack asked.

 

Danny shrugged. “Ms. Holman was.”

 

Jack had been trying to tread carefully and give Danny space, but now he gave up on caution and pulled Danny onto his lap. “What happened, Sport?”

 

“She was really mad,” Danny said shakily, close to tears. “She yelled at me a lot.”

 

“Did she hit you?” Jack asked carefully, running a hand over Danny’s hair. God help Bernice Holman if she had. Under normal circumstances, Jack found the idea of hitting a woman reprehensible, but so help him, if that old bat had hurt this little boy, he was likely to forget that.

 

Danny shook his head. “No, but she was really, really mad.”

 

“And she punished you?” Jack prodded.

 

Danny nodded, worrying at his lip. “She locked me in at night,” he admitted softly. He shuddered at the memory of many long nights spent in the dark alone.

 

“By yourself?” Jack said, stunned and getting angrier by the second.

 

Danny’s nod was barely perceptible. “I had to stay in the sick room.” The sick room was, as Danny explained it, a tiny, windowless room customarily used to quarantine children whose illnesses might be contagious. Jack had to fight the urge to shiver himself at Danny’s description. It reminded him far too strongly of his own days in solitary confinement in an Iraqi prison. Bernice Holman had better pray on whatever she held holy that he never crossed paths with her again. For if he did, the aftermath wasn’t likely to be pretty.

 

“What if you were sick or had a nightmare?” Jack asked, suspecting he knew the answer.

 

 Danny shrugged. "I just dealt with it."

"By yourself?" Jack asked.

Danny nodded. Until he came to live with Col. Jack, there had been no one to help.

 

“I’ll be that was scary,” Jack commented, realizing with sickening clarity just why Danny had looked surprised when he’d said to come get him.

 

“It was,” Danny admitted softly. “It was really dark, and there were weird shadows everywhere.” And most of all he’d been so terribly alone.

 

Jack pulled Danny close, holding him tight. “I’m sorry that happened to you, kiddo.”

 

The gesture of comfort finally undid Danny, and he lost the battle with his tears. “I didn’t mean to break the rules, Col. Jack. I didn’t know I was sleepwalking.”

 

“I know you didn’t,” Jack said soothingly, rubbing Danny’s back. “It wasn’t your fault.

 

Danny sniffled and drew a shaky breath. “If it wasn’t my fault, why’d I get in trouble?”

 

“I don’t know, Sport,” Jack said honestly. “Maybe she made a mistake or maybe she just didn’t understand. I honestly can’t say why Ms. Holman did what she did, but she was wrong. It wasn’t your fault. You should never be punished for something you can’t control, and you never will be here.”

 

“So you’re really not mad?” Danny said, clearly still struggling with the concept.

 

“Not a bit,” Jack assured him. “In the first place, there’s no reason to be mad at you for sleepwalking, and in the second place, you weren’t sleepwalking last night.”

 

“I wasn’t?” That revelation clearly stunned Danny. “Then how…” He broke off and Jack could clearly see his mind reeling.

 

“I brought you to bed,” Jack explained. “I know you said you wanted to sleep on the couch, but you were restless, and I wanted you close in case you had a nightmare.”

 

“You did?” Danny said, confused.

 

“I did,” Jack replied. “I knew you might be afraid, and I didn’t want you to be alone. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m sorry.”

 

“That’s ok,” Danny said automatically. His mind was whirling with a jumble of thoughts and emotions. Col. Jack was the first person to want to take care of him since his parents. In the home he’d learned to take care of himself, mainly because the adults only seemed interested in making sure he did what he was told. He’d come to think of living that way as normal. The idea he would be letting someone else in, scared him, but Col. Jack seemed really nice.

 

Before he could come to any conclusions, Jack said, “Since we’re both already awake, we might as well get ready for the day. We have to go to the school to register you.”

 

Danny nodded. Then he remembered he was supposed to use his voice. “Yes, sir.” He moved out of Jack’s embrace and climbed off the bed. “My clothes are in the den. I’ll go get dressed.”

 

“Sure,” Jack agreed. “I’ll get dressed and start breakfast. Then we’ll go.” He noticed Danny still seemed pretty quiet and hoped he could figure out what else was going on soon.

 

 

 

Though they had only been home three days, Jack and Danny had already developed something of a routine. In no time at all, they had dressed and eaten and were headed out the door. Danny was still quiet, but some of the shaken, withdrawn air seemed to be leaving him. “We need to talk about school,” Jack said when they got in the truck, hoping to draw Danny out of his memories and into the present.

 

Danny shrugged. “Ok.”

 

“I know at your old school they skipped you some grades. Is that something you would want to do again?” Jack asked.

 

Danny hesitated. Skipping grades was the one thing he really didn’t want to do, but he wasn’t sure what Col. Jack would think if he told him that.

 

Jack saw the hesitation and guessed its cause. “There are no right or wrong answers, Sport. I just want to know what you think.”

 

“No,” Danny admitted quietly. “I don’t want to skip grades if I don’t have to. I want to be with kids my own age.”

 

Jack understood Danny’s wishes and agreed with them, but knowing just how smart Danny was, feared it wouldn’t be quite that simple. “What about being bored?” Jack asked. The last thing they needed was for Danny to be bored and restless and start acting up because of it.

 

“I don't care if I'm bored,” Danny insisted, knowing he would probably be bored at some point anyway, no matter where they put him. “I just don't want to be the only kid my age in the class.”

 

Jack nodded, hearing clearly the loneliness underlying Danny’s words. “What if you're in honors courses with kids your age or only one year older?” Jack went on, remembering Janet had told them Cassie took some of her classes as advanced honors classes.

 

“That would be ok,” Danny said. “At my old school, most of the kids were a lot older.”

 

“So it sounds like the most important thing to you is that you be in classes with kids your own age.” Jack said, wanting to confirm it. “Am I right?” 

 

Danny nodded. “Yes, sir.”

 

“Is there anything else that’s really important to you?” Jack wanted to know.

 

Danny shook his head. “Not really. I just really want to be with kids my own age.”

 

“Ok, then,” Jack agreed, “That’s what we’ll try to do, but Danny, I’m going to expect you to do your work even if it’s boring or easy, understood?”
 

Danny nodded. “Yes, sir.” That wasn’t a big deal. He always did his work anyway, even the boring easy junk.

 

“Good,” Jack replied. “What grade are you supposed to be in anyway?”

 

Danny thought about it for a minute. “Fifth, I think.” He’d been moved around so many times he wasn’t really sure anymore.

 

“Ok, that’s where we’ll try to put you then.” Jack slowed in front of a school building on their right and checked the address. “I think this is it, Sport. What do you think?”

 

Danny nodded. “I think so.”

 

Jack bit back a grin as he turned into the parking lot and pulled into a slot. “I meant do you like it, kiddo?”

 

Danny shrugged. The school was a small cluster of single story brick buildings, virtually indistinguishable from any number of other schools in the country, but it was clean and well maintained and there was a small playground in the back so he supposed it was ok. “I guess,” he said finally. “It’s a school.”

 

This time Jack couldn’t stop the laugh. “That it is.”

 

Jack was vaguely familiar with the layout of the school having been there once or twice for Cassie’s school events. So despite the fact the school was bustling with activity, they found their way to the main office without difficulty. A young African American woman greeted them as they came in the door. “Good morning, sir. May I help you?”

 

“I hope so,” Jack told her. “We need to talk to someone about getting Danny here registered for school.”

 

“I can help you with that,” she said, grabbing an ink pen and gathering up some papers. “What’s your address?”

 

“212 Oakwood Drive,” Jack replied.

 

“Oh,” the secretary said, frowning. “That would put you in a different school boundary. Let me get you the address for that school.”

 

Jack’s heart sank. This school sounded like the perfect solution. Surely there had to be a way. “Ma'am, before you do that, is there any possibility of enrolling Danny here anyway? Some kind of waiver or something? I've heard good things about the honors classes here, and that's something Danny really needs, and I've also been told that the school does a great job working with military families like ours.”

 

“There might be a possibility of getting him in on a variance,” the secretary said carefully. “Where is it that you work?”

 

“Cheyenne Mountain.”

 

“Oh,” she said slowly, recognition dawning in her eyes. “Yes, we do seem to get a lot of families from there. Let me get you the form for the variance. The principal will have to sign it but I’m sure it won’t be a problem.” She turned to a file cabinet behind her, pulled out a form, and handed it to Jack. “Just fill this out and I’ll pass it on to Mrs. Thompson. In the meantime, do you have his school and shot records?”

 

“Yes, Ma’am, right here.” Jack handed over a large envelope containing Danny’s school and shot records as well as their foster care papers.

 

The secretary took it and skimmed through the paperwork disinterestedly until she came to the papers from Danny’s last school. “This says that he’s ten years old, but was placed in eighth grade,” she said, surprised.

 

“Yes, ma'am,” Jack told her. “Because his old school didn't have honors classes, they chose to skip him ahead. We'd like him enrolled in 5th grade here though.”

 

“I see,” she said, suddenly seeming uncertain. “Perhaps you’d like to speak to Dr. Ballinger, our school psychologist, he normally handles special education placements.”

 

Up until this point, Danny had been watching the proceedings silently, not really interested in the conversation, but now, he sidled up close to Jack, looking really nervous. Jack noticed and laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The secretary noticed too. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “Special education refers to the gifted program too, that’s all. Just let me call him for you.”

 

“Don’t worry, Sport,” Jack said quietly to Danny while they were waiting. We’ll figure it out.”

 

Danny nodded, but he didn’t believe it. This was what always happened. As soon as some grown up got a look at his tests, he got hustled off somewhere while they had some big meeting and the next thing he knew he was stuck being the only kid his age in a class with a bunch of teenagers. However, much to Danny’s surprise, Col. Jack didn’t shuffle him off when the psychologist came. Instead, he said Danny had to be included too, and he didn’t let them skip him grades either. He insisted Danny be kept with kids his own age, just like they’d talked about. In the end, they agreed Danny would have honors classes for language arts and math—the language arts class was a combined group of fifth and sixth graders and the math class was sixth grade—and have science and social studies at his regular grade level of fifth grade. Danny was ecstatic. This was the first time in ages he’d been in the right grade. It was just one more sign life with Col. Jack was going to be very different from what he’d known before.

 

“Goodbye, Danny,” the secretary, who told him her name was Ms. Pryor, said as they were leaving. “We’ll look forward to seeing you on Monday.”

 

“I’ll look forward to seeing you too,” Danny told her, and for the first time in a long time, he meant it.

 

Sam and Teal’c arrived to help with finishing up decorating Danny’s room shortly after Danny and Jack got home. “So Danny,” Sam asked, coming into the den where Danny was waiting for the truck from the furniture store to arrive, “what were you and Col. O’Neill up to this morning?”

 

“Registering me for school,” Danny said, thumbing absently through his book of children’s folk tales.

 

“Where are you going to school?” Sam wanted to know.

 

“Madison,” Danny replied.

 

“Cool,” Sam said, “Madison’s a good school. Dr. Fraiser’s daughter, Cassie, goes there, too.”

 

Danny nodded. “I know. Dr. Janet’s who told us about the school.”

 

“You and Cass are about the same age,” Sam went on. “Maybe you’ll have some classes together.”

 

“They will,” Jack said, coming in to join them. “Danny and Cassie have language arts and math together.”

 

“That’s great,” Sam said brightly. “You’ll like Cassie, Danny. She’s a really cool kid.”

 

Danny nodded but was saved from commenting when Teal’c came in to tell them the furniture was here. Danny was thankful for the distraction. It wasn’t that he doubted Cassie Frasier was a cool kid. He was sure she was. The trouble was, cool kids usually didn’t want to have anything to do with him.

 

Putting Danny’s room together turned out to be surprisingly easy. Jack and Teal’c moved in most of the furniture while Sam assembled things. Danny decided where the furniture should go and did small things like moving his things in from the den and helping to make the beds once they were assembled. They were done by mid-afternoon, leaving them plenty of time to get ready for the cookout that evening.

 

“You did good, Sport,” Jack told Danny as they stood in the doorway after Sam and Teal’c had gone, surveying their finished work. He was amazed at the change in the room. The institutional air that had plagued it just two days ago was gone. Now, the room felt bright and airy. Part of that was due to it’s new coating of sky blue paint, but part of it was also due to the fact the furniture arrangement Danny had chosen left a lot of the floor space open. Danny had put his beds next to the windows on the opposite side of the room from the door with his dresser beside them. The desk and bookcases lined the wall across from the dresser, but most of the floor space in between was open. Not only did this make the room feel more open, but Jack figured the space would be put to good use when Danny started having friends over. They’d have plenty of room to play in the center of the room.

 

Danny beamed at Col. Jack’s praise. He was proud of the way the room turned out too. He couldn’t put a finger on exactly what made the difference, but it was the first place in a long time that felt like his.

 

“How long before people get here for the cookout?” Danny asked, looking up at Jack.

 

“Couple hours probably,” Jack replied. “Why?”

 

“I wondered if it might be ok if I read for awhile,” Danny said shyly. “That is, if you don’t need my help with anything.”

 

“Of course it is,” Jack told him. “I may need your help in the kitchen in a little bit, but I’ll call you when I need you.”

 

“Ok,” Danny said, grabbing his folk tales book and climbing up on the top bunk.

 

“I’ll be in the backyard getting stuff ready if you need me,” Jack said and disappeared down the hall.

 

When he left, Danny laid his book aside and flopped over on his side to look out the window. He hadn’t really wanted to read. He just needed a few minutes to be alone, to think. He loved his new room, and Col. Jack was being really nice to him, but it was all so different. Col. Jack and even Sam and Teal’c all treated him just like he had always been there, and in a way, that was great, but it was a little strange too. He hadn’t been part of a group, a family, in a long time. And now they wanted him to meet even more people. Just the thought made his head spin. Sighing, Danny picked up his book and tried not to think about it too much.

 

He managed to read nearly half the stories in the book before Col. Jack called him to help in the kitchen. “Coming,” he answered, marking his place and climbing down.

 

“Come help me make up the hamburgers,” Jack told him when he got to the kitchen.

 

“Okay,” Danny said slowly, going to stand beside Jack and waiting for instructions.

 

Jack was a little surprised that Danny didn’t seem to know what to do, but he only said. “I’ve already mixed everything up. All we need to do is shape them into a patty, like this.” He scooped up a handful of meat and quickly shaped it into a patty by way of example. Danny watched Jack carefully then hesitantly tried to do the same himself. It came out awkwardly shaped and more than a little lopsided but Jack grinned and told him it was just fine.

 

“Sam says she’s bringing brownies for dessert,” Jack said as they were working. Danny grinned and Jack laughed. “Thought you’d like that.”

 

“Who else is coming?” Danny wanted to know.

 

“Just the team, Janet and Cassie, and the Hammonds,” Jack said absently then stopped abruptly at Danny’s confused look, realizing Danny had no way of knowing just who that meant. “Doctor Janet and her daughter Cassie,” he amended, “General Hammond and his wife, their daughter Theresa and Theresa’s daughters, Tessa and Kayla, Sam and Teal’c. Cass is eleven and Tess and Kayla are nine and seven so you’ll have other kids to play with.” Jack added the latter by way of reassurance, hoping to assure Danny he wouldn’t be the only kid swallowed up by a group of adults, but the thought was anything but comforting to Danny, who would have been far more comfortable with the adults than he was with other children. Jack saw the worry flit through his eyes. “Don’t worry, kiddo. It’ll be fine.”

 

“Right,” Danny said noncommittally.

 

Jack would have liked to reassure him, but knew that no amount of coaxing would convince Danny at this point. This was one of those things Danny’d have to see for himself. “It will be,” Jack repeated. “There is one more thing I wanted to talk to you about though.” Danny shot Jack an apprehensive look. “It’s no big deal,” Jack assured him, “just something you need to know.” Danny relaxed a little. “You know Teal’c has a kind of unusual name?” Jack went on. Danny nodded. “Well, that makes some people uncomfortable so he doesn’t use it in public. In public, he goes by Murray. That’s what we need to call him tonight.”

 

“Ok,” Danny agreed. He was about to ask why Teal’c should have to use another name just because it made people uncomfortable, when a knock at the door interrupted him.

 

“That’s Janet and Cassie,” Jack said, glancing out the window and identifying the car in the drive. “Go let them in while I put these burgers on. Tell Janet to come on out back.” He grabbed up the platter of burgers and disappeared out the back door before Danny had a chance to protest.

 

Seeing that he had no other option, Danny took a deep breath and went to answer the door. Doctor Janet and a red haired girl about his age stood waiting on the other side of the door. “Hello, Danny,” Janet said, with an easy smile.

 

“Hi, Dr. Janet,” Danny answered shyly, “Col. Jack’s in the back yard. He said to tell you to come on back.”

 

“Ok,” Janet stepped inside, ushering Cassie before her. “Danny, this is my daughter, Cassie. Cass, this is Danny.”

 

The kids eyed each other for one long moment before Cassie grinned. “Hey, Danny.”

 

“Hi,” Danny said, even more shyly than before.

 

The shyness didn’t faze Cass for a minute. She rattled on without a bit of hesitation. “Mama says you’re going to my school. You’ll like it. It’s pretty cool, for a school anyways. What grade are you in?” Danny stared at her, a little overwhelmed. “Well…” Cass asked, impatient.

 

Danny blinked. “What? Oh, fifth.”

 

 

Behind them, Janet had to stifle a laugh. Danny didn’t know what hit him. Cassie, bless her, didn’t have a shy bone in her body. Before the night was over, Danny would know the entire social structure of Madison Elementary School, and Cass would know Danny’s entire life history.

 

“Most of the fifth grade teachers are nice,” Cassie went on, “Whose homeroom are you in?”

 

Danny frowned, thinking. “Ms. Thompson, I think.” He shrugged. "I get them confused.”

 

“It is confusing at first,” Cass agreed. “You’ll get used to it. Ms. Thompson’s nice. I had her for science last year.”

 

“I think I do too,” Danny said. “I’m not sure, but my schedule’s in my room if you want to look.”

 

“Let’s get it,” Cass agreed. “Then I can tell you about the teachers.” Without waiting for a response, she made a beeline down the hall toward Danny’s room. Danny followed at her heels.

 

“I’m going outside to say hello to Jack,” Janet called after them. “You know where we are if you need us.”

 

Cassie stopped mid-stride and did an abrupt about-face. “Oh yeah, I need to go say hi to Uncle Jack, too. Come on,” she said, pulling Danny along, “let’s go.”

 

“Ok,” Danny said quietly, trailing bewildered in Cassie’s wake.

 

At the door, Cassie let go of Danny and launched herself at Jack. “Uncle Jack!”

 

Jack, long accustomed to this method of attack, turned just in time and caught Cassie up in his arms. “Cass!” Jack echoed, mimicking Cass’s high-pitched squeal.

 

“Stop it,” Cass groused, laughing, as Jack set her back on her feet.

 

Jack grinned unrepentantly. “I wondered what was keeping you,” he went on.

 

“Me and Danny were talking about school,” Cass replied, “We’re gonna go look at his schedule so I can tell him about the teachers.”

 

“That sounds like a good plan,” Jack said, “You be sure you give him the lowdown, ok?”

 

“Don’t worry, Uncle Jack,” Cass assured him, “I’ll take care of him. I know what it’s like, remember?” Before Jack could respond, she was gone again.

 

When they reached Danny’s room, Cass stopped still in the doorway. “Wow,” she breathed, “this is different.”

 

“We painted,” Danny told her, “and Col. Jack got me new furniture.”

 

“The clouds are really cool,” Cass said.

 

Danny blushed. “Thanks.” Stepping around Cass, he went to the desk and retrieved the paper he’d gotten at the school earlier. “Here’s my schedule.”

 

Cassie took it and studied it carefully. “Ugh. You’ve got Ms. Williams for social studies. She’s mean.”

 

“She is?” Danny asked, worriedly.

 

Cass nodded solemnly. “She’s really strict, and she always calls everybody by their full names. Like me, everybody calls me either Cassie or Cass, but Ms. Williams always calls me Cassandra Frasier, always.”

 

Danny groaned. “Oh, great.”

 

“Danny’s not your full name, then,” Cass asked.

 

Danny shook his head. “It’s Daniel, but I’m Danny.”

 

“Not in Ms. Williams’s class,” Cassie said. She gave Danny a sympathetic look. “I hated it, too.”

 

Danny heaved a heavy mental sigh, and flopped down on the floor by the bed. Things weren’t looking too promising for this school so far. Cassie seemed ok though, even if she was like a walking whirlwind. “What about the rest?” he asked.

 

“Well,” Cass said, settling cross-legged beside Danny. “Like I said, Ms. Thompson’s nice, you’ll like her…” And on they went, through Ms. Thompson, who taught science, and Mr. Flora, who taught language arts, and Ms. Sobol, who taught math. By the time Sam found them, they’d moved on to other kids and were well on their way to being friends.

 

“There you are,” Sam said, coming over to where Cass and Danny were sprawled on the floor.

 

“Sam!” Cassie squealed, jumping up to give her a hug.

 

Danny’s reaction was far more reserved. “Hi, Sam.” His greeting was quiet, but his smile reached all the way to his eyes.

 

“Hi, Danny,” Sam replied, returning his smile with one of her own. “What are you guys up to?”

 

She addressed the question to Danny, but it was Cassie who answered. “Talking about school. Danny’s going to Madison, too. He’s in my language arts class.”

 

“Yep, your math class too, I think,” Sam told her, “at least that’s what Col. O’Neill said.”

 

Cassie picked up the schedule and looked again. “Hey, she’s right, how’d you get into the sixth grade honors class?”

 

Danny shrugged, blushing scarlet. “That’s just where they placed me.” Inside, his heart sank. Here it came. As soon as Cassie realized he was smart, she wouldn’t want to be friends with him anymore.

 

But instead of the questions and odd looks and distance Danny was expecting, Cassie simply said, “Cool.”

 

Danny was stunned. In his experience, being the smart kid was anything but cool.

 

Sam saw his struggle and saved him from further comment by saying, “General Hammond and his family are here. The colonel wants you to come out and meet the girls, Danny.”

 

Danny barely suppressed a moan. Meeting new people was the last thing he wanted to do. He’d just barely gotten settled with Cass, but all he said was, “Yes, ma’am.”

 

Now Cass did look at him like he was crazy. Then, she shot Sam an equally surprised look. “You didn’t tell him yet?” she asked, eyeing Sam.

 

Sam shrugged. “I never got the chance.”

 

“Tell me what?” Danny asked, looking back and forth between them.

 

“Sam’s only ma’am in front of the other adults,” Cass explained. “When we’re alone, she’s just Sam.”

 

“I know your parents are just trying to teach you to be polite,” Sam went on, “and I respect their wishes, but I’m just not that formal. So, Cass and I have a deal. When we’re around her mom or other adults, she follows Janet’s rules, but when we’re alone, I’m just Sam. The same applies to you, ok?”

 

Danny nodded. “Yes, ma-“ he began then caught himself and stopped. “Sure.”

 

“Good,” Sam said, “now let’s go before Col. O’Neill sends out a search party.”

 

 

Tess and Kayla turned out to be ok, too, for little kids. Though Tess, at nine, was only a year younger than Danny, she still seemed like a little kid to him. Kayla was seven, a full three years younger, and small for her age so she was definitely a little kid, but Danny had lived with all sorts of kids at the home so it wasn’t a big deal. The strange part was, nobody seemed to think him being there was a big deal either. Tess and Kayla had said hello then suggested they play hide and seek, as though he’d always been there. Danny was puzzling over that now as he crouched behind a tree hiding from Tess.

 

Kids just didn’t do that; accept him on sight. He was the new kid, the odd man out, always. He knew how to do that, this, this was weird.

 

He was jerked from his thoughts when Tess appeared, poking her head around the tree. “Found you, Danny,” she cried triumphantly. “You’re it.”

 

“Not till you catch me,” Danny called back, lighting out toward the porch, their designated base, as fast as his legs could carry him. Though he, like Kayla, was small for his age, he still would have outrun Tess easily if Col. Jack had not stepped out of the crowd and scooped him up.

 

“Whoa there, Sport, slow down. You kids need to go wash up for dinner.” Jack’s pronouncement was met with a chorus of complaints from all the children, including Danny. Jack was so relieved to see such a typical kid reaction he almost gave in and let them play a little longer, but he knew better than to set that precedent. “Hey now, none of that,” Jack said. “You can finish after we eat. Get a move on.”

Knowing a command when they heard one and knowing better than to argue, all the kids trooped into the house to wash up. They were done and back in no time flat, waiting restlessly on the food.

 

“Let’s go snitch a brownie,” Cass suggested while they were waiting.

 

“Won’t we get in trouble?” Danny asked hesitantly. “Col. Jack said the food’s almost ready.”

 

“Nah,” Cass said confidently. “I always snitch sweets at cookouts. It’s practically a tradition.”

 

“Ok,” Danny agreed, though he was still clearly uncertain. He followed quietly behind Cass, creeping toward the picnic table where the food was laid out.

 

Cass had just reached for the plate of brownies when Janet’s voice rang out. “Get out of there, Cass. You’ll ruin your dinner.”

 

“Just one,” Cass pleaded.

 

“After dinner, Cass,” Janet said, long used to the argument.

 

“But Mama…” Cass whined.

 

“You heard me, Cassandra,” Janet warned.

 

“Yes, ma’am,” Cassie conceded, surreptitiously passing the brownie under the table to Danny as she spoke.

 

Danny took the brownie without thinking then stood frozen and wide-eyed until Cass drug him away.

 

“I saw that, you two,” Janet called from behind them as they ran toward where Tess and Kayla waited. Cass simply laughed and kept running.

 

“Are we in trouble?” Danny asked when they stopped.

 

Cass stared at him as though he’d suddenly sprouted an extra head. “Of course not. I told you, it’s practically tradition.”

 

“But your mom said…” Danny went on worriedly.

 

“Danny, it’s fine,” Cass assured him. “Mama says that every time. She doesn’t really care.”

 

“But…” Danny persisted.

 

“Danny, Mama knows what we did,” Cassie pointed out. “If she cared, she would have stopped us, trust me.”

 

“Ok,” Danny agreed, seeing the logic in Cass’s reasoning, but he continued to cast nervous glances in Janet’s direction. He believed Cass. He really did, but he was still afraid. Any child who had dared do such a thing in Ms. Holman’s presence would have been in big trouble.

 

“It’s hard at first, isn’t it?” Cass said out of the blue. “You’re not sure of the rules and everything is new and scary. When Mama first adopted me, I was afraid of everything.”

 

Danny whipped around and gaped at her. “You’re adopted?”

 

Cass nodded. “My parents died just over a year ago, and Mama adopted me, like Uncle Jack’s adopting you.”

 

Dozens of thoughts raced through Danny’s mind, but all he could say was, “Oh.” Cass shrugged. It wasn’t a big deal anymore.

 

“Is that what you meant earlier,” Danny asked after a moment, “when you said you knew what it was like?”

 

Cass nodded. “I know what it’s like, starting over with a new family. You’ll get used to it, trust me.”

 

Danny nodded noncommittally. Maybe he would, if he got to stay long enough.

 

 

 

Danny was still mulling over Cass’s words when Col. Jack called them to come eat. Cassie being adopted explained a lot. No wonder everyone acted as though his being here was no big deal. They were used to suddenly having new kids around because of her. He wondered if she was right, if someday it’d be no big deal to him either. He’d never lived anywhere long enough to get used to it before. Part of him hoped beyond hope that was about to change, and the other part was afraid to hope.

 

He’d been mechanically putting food onto his plate as he thought things over, and now he stepped carefully around Janet as he went to sit down, giving her a wide berth without even really being aware of it.

 

Cass, unfortunately, was aware of everything. “Oh for crying out loud,” she said, exasperated. “Mama, would you please tell Danny that we aren’t in trouble?”

 

“Why on Earth would you be in trouble?” Janet asked, confused, as she came to join them at the table.

 

“He’s worried because I took the stupid brownie,” Cass explained.

 

“Cassie, you’ve gotten into the sweets at every cookout since you’ve been here. I knew exactly what you were doing.”

 

Cass shot a pointed look at Danny. “See? Told you.”

 

Danny blushed, ducking his head. “But you said…and I thought…” he trailed off, toying absently with a potato chip.

 

“Danny, honey, it’s fine,” Janet said gently. “It’s just a game Cass and I play. You didn’t know, don’t worry about it.”

 

“We don’t play head games around here, kiddo,” Jack broke in. “If you’re in trouble, you’ll know it.” He paused and grinned at Janet. “Besides, when Doc gets mad, everybody knows it.”

 

“I’m not that bad,” Janet sputtered, indignant.

 

“Yes, you are,” Cass and Sam chorused, nearly in unison, and General Hammond coughed to hide a laugh.

 

“Am not,” Janet persisted, glaring at them. She turned briefly to Jack for help but realized almost immediately that was a lost cause and moved on to Teal’c. “Tell them, Murray. I am not that bad.”

 

Teal’c regarded Janet for a long moment. “Indeed Doctor Frasier. I believe they are correct.” His expression never wavered but his eyes were shining with mirth.

 

“Fine,” Janet huffed. “Just wait. Sooner or later, you’ll all wind up in my infirmary. Then, we’ll see.”

 

“Now, Doc,” Jack said carefully, “there’s no need to be hasty.”

 

Janet turned to Betty Hammond and grinned. “See what I put up with.”

 

Mrs. Hammond, who had been dealing with soldiers in one way or another for most of her adult life, simply shook her head and laughed. “One wonders how you stand it, Janet.”

 

“Betty,” Jack said dramatically, “you wound me.”

 

Mrs. Hammond simply shrugged. “If you’re going to dish it out…”

 

Around her, the group exploded with laughter. “I think she’s got your number, Colonel,” Sam said.

 

“Mom’s always had his number, Sam,” Theresa put in knowingly.

 

“Hey!” Jack yelped, and the banter began again.

 

Danny watched the proceedings with interest. He'd never seen adults act like this. It was fascinating, but a little scary. Adults were supposed to act like adults, not argue like kids, but no one else seemed to find it the least bit unusual.

 

Noticing he wasn’t eating, Cass elbowed Danny and asked quietly, “What's bugging you?”

 
Danny shrugged. “Are they always like this?” he whispered, waving a hand toward the bantering adults.

”Like what?” Cass asked, confused.

 
”Arguing and stuff,” Danny explained. “They're almost like...well, like kids.”

 

“Oh that,” Cass said, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. “Yeah, usually, when they’re together, they are. Don’t let them fool you though.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“They may play like kids, but they’re strict, too.”

 

Danny looked a little nervous at that. “What do you mean?”

 

“If you break the rules, you get in trouble,” Cass said matter-of-factly. “I haven’t gotten away with anything they haven’t wanted me to yet. Mama knows I’ll eat my dinner even if I eat dessert first so it doesn’t really matter to her. Other stuff does though.”

 

“Like what?” Danny wanted to know.

 

“She’s real big on respecting adults, like Uncle Jack is, and following the rules and stuff. Now, will you hurry up and eat so we can go play…and get more dessert.”

 

Danny laughed and turned back to his food, still watching the adults curiously.

 

It didn’t take long for the kids to finish eating and run back off to play, leaving the adults to talk. “So, Jack,” Hammond said when the kids were gone, “how’s Danny settling in?”

 

“Pretty well, I think,” Jack said. “He’s still a little skittish, but I think that’ll pass as he gets settled in.”

 

“It probably will,” Janet agreed. “It took Cass awhile to settle in too. Starting school helped a lot.”

 

“I’m hoping that’ll help Danny too,” Jack told her, “give him a chance to get into a routine and make some friends. He and Cass seem to have hit it off.”

 

Janet laughed. “I’m not sure she gave him much of a choice.”

 

“Probably not, knowing her” Jack conceded, chuckling, “but I think in this case that’s a good thing.”

 

“I agree,” Hammond put in. “So, Jack, when does the boy start school?”

 

“Monday,” Jack said. “We have to get things situated with daycare tomorrow.”

 

“What daycare are you using?” Janet asked.

 

“The one on base,” Jack told her. “With our hours, that just makes life easier.”

 

Janet nodded. “He and Cass will be together there too then, and they’ll get picked up by the same van.”

 

“Good,” Jack said. “I’m sure having Cass there will make things easier.”

 

“He seems pretty quiet,” Janet said after a moment, watching the kids as they raced around the yard. “Has he tried acting up yet?”

 

“No,” Jack said uncertainly. “Should I be on the look out for that?”

 

“I would expect something,” Hammond said, picking up on the conversation. “All children test their boundaries.”

 

“Sure they do,” Jack agreed, “but it’ll be awhile, won’t it?”

 

“Didn’t take Cass long,” Janet told him. “I think I’d had her about three weeks.”

 

“Really?” Jack said, surprised. He’d always thought Janet and Cass had gelled right from the start.

 

“Oh yes,” Janet said. “It wasn’t much, sassing, refusing to do what she was told, but she was definitely testing limits.”

 

“So what’d you do?” Jack asked.

 

“Reminded her of the rules, dealt with the consequences, and moved on.”

 

Jack nodded. “Danny and I have had a rules conversation already.” And after this conversation, he was very glad they had.

 

“I don’t thing I ever stopped having them with my children,” Hammond told him.

 

Janet nodded knowingly. “Cass and I have them all the time.”

 

“The girls and I do too,” Theresa agreed. “They’re good kids, but they still need reminding from time to time.”

 

As if on cue, Kayla came running up to her mother. “Mommy, the big kids won’t let me play anymore.”

 

“Why not?” Theresa asked, giving the other adults a see-what-I-mean look across the table.

 

“They say I’m too little,” Kayla huffed, “and Tessa called me a baby.”

Theresa sighed and got up to go sort it out. Jack followed close behind. Though he was sure Theresa was more than capable of handling whatever was going on, Danny was still skittish and Jack wasn’t sure how he’d react. When he caught up to Theresa, she was in the middle of a group of squabbling children. Danny hung back on the fringes of the group, obviously uncertain.

 

“But she is too little,” Tessa was saying when Jack came up to join them, easing up behind Danny and laying a hand on his shoulder.

 

“Too little for what?” Theresa asked.

 

“To play with us,” Tessa said, exasperated. “She keeps getting caught and getting mad.”

 

“Do not,” Kayla insisted.

 

“Do too,” Tessa shot back.

 

“Quiet, both of you,” Theresa broke in. “I think it’s about time for us to go. I think you’re both getting tired.”

 

“I’m not tired,” Tessa grumbled. “Kayla’s just being a baby.”

 

“Enough, young lady,” Theresa said sternly. “Go back to your grandfather. We’ll be there in a minute.”

 

“But Mom,” Tessa began, but a sharp look from Theresa stopped her in her tracks. “Yes, ma’am.” She turned to go, resigned but clearly unhappy about it.

 

Theresa swung Kayla onto her hip and turned to Cass. “Is there anything else that happened I need to know about?”

 

“No, ma’am,” Cass said. “Tessa’s right though. Kayla was getting mad.”

 

“Maybe,” Theresa conceded, “but she’s younger than you and feels left out.”

 

“Do not,” Kayla grumbled sleepily.

 

Theresa ignored her and turned to Jack. “I’d better get them home. Thanks for having us.” To Danny, she added, “It was nice to meet you.”

 

“Nice to meet you, too,” Danny said quietly, continuing to watch Theresa as she said her goodbyes and disappeared from view.

 

Noticing he seemed unusually quiet, Jack asked, “You ok, Sport?”

 

Danny nodded, but seemed uncertain.

 

“Sure?” Jack prodded.

 

“It’s just different, that’s all,” Danny said.

 

“How?” Jack asked.

 

“Kids get left out all the time,” Danny replied softly.

 

“Not here,” Cass told him. “It’s another rule. Not that I mind it,” she added quickly, glancing at Jack.

 

Before either Danny or Jack could respond, Janet called from across the yard, “Cass, I think it’s time for us to go too.”

 

“But Mama,” Cass whined.

 

“But Cassandra,” Janet echoed in a nearly identical tone, continuing to gather up their things.

 

“We’re still playing,” Cass persisted.

 

“And you can finish another day,” Janet told her. “I’m sure Uncle Jack will let you come over another day, or Danny can come to our house sometime. Now get your stuff and let’s go.”

 

Knowing better than to argue, Cass turned to give Jack a hug. “Thanks, Uncle Jack, I had fun.”

 

“I’m glad, kiddo,” Jack said, returning her hug, “and you know you’re welcome at any time.” In fact, Jack had a feeling Cass was about to become a regular fixture around their house.

 

“I had fun too, Cass” Danny put in quietly.

 

Cass grinned. “Good, now you just have to bug Uncle Jack to let you come to my house next time.”

 

“Ok,” Danny agreed. “Guess I’ll see you at school on Monday.”

 

“Yep, I’ll try to wait for you if I can.” Seeing that Janet was getting impatient, Cass headed quickly for their car, calling goodbyes over her shoulder.

 

After that, it wasn’t long before everyone else cleared out as well. Since everyone was long used to pitching in with cleanup, there wasn’t much left to do. Jack took care of what was left himself and sent Danny to get ready for bed. After the conversation with Janet, Jack half expected an argument, but Danny went quietly.

 

In fact, Danny still seemed far too quiet when Jack came in to tuck him in. “Seemed like you had a good time tonight,” Jack commented, hoping to get Danny talking.

 

“I did,” Danny agreed. “Cass is cool.” 

 

“I’m glad you think so,” Jack said. “You can invite her over again sometime.” Danny nodded, but there were still shadows lurking in his eyes. “So what’s bugging you now?” Jack asked finally.

 

The question caught Danny off guard and he answered without thinking, “Is Cass right?”

 

“About what?”

 

“About nobody getting left out.”

 

Jack nodded. “That’s the way it works around here. Everybody plays or nobody plays. Nobody gets left behind.”

 

Danny was clearly stunned by the concept but kept quiet, and Jack didn’t push, figuring only time would convince him of the truth of it. Since Danny was sleeping on the bottom bunk, Jack sat down on the side of the bed to tuck him in. As soon as Jack did, the flashlight he’d stuck in his back pocket made its presence known.

 

“Oh, yeah,” Jack said, pulling out the flashlight and handing it to Danny, “brought you something.”

 

“A flashlight?” Danny asked, puzzled.

 

“So you don’t have to be afraid of shadows,” Jack explained. He’d been haunted all day by Danny’s story of what had happened at the home and was determined to find a way to soothe those wounds. A nightlight had seemed babyish, but a flashlight seemed a good compromise. The look in Danny’s eyes told him he was right. He tucked the covers around Danny, ruffled his hair, and stood up. “Sleep tight, kiddo. I’ll leave the door open for you. Come find me if you need me.”

 

Danny nodded, clutching the flashlight to his chest. As he drifted off to sleep, he was still thinking about all the changes. They were confusing and a little overwhelming, but this time, he thought he might just get used to them.

 

                                           

“Tell me again what you’re doing today,” Jack said to Danny Monday morning over breakfast. The weekend had flown by. They’d been so busy with getting Danny registered for daycare, meeting with the social worker from Air Force Family Services, and getting the rest of the things Danny needed to start school, they’d hardly noticed where the time had gone, but now that Danny’s first day of school was upon them, Jack was almost as nervous as Danny.

 

Danny sighed and rolled his eyes.

 

Jack tapped him firmly on the head. “Watch the attitude, kid.”

 

Danny ducked his head. “Sorry, but you’ve asked me that a billion times already.”

 

Jack was a little embarrassed, but he only laughed and said, “I’m new at this, humor me.”

 

“I’m going to school, then I’m going to ride the van to daycare with Cass, and you’ll pick me up from there,” Danny replied with an air of longsuffering patience.

 

“And if something happens…” Jack prompted.

 

“I have all your numbers in my book bag,” Danny told him, sighing.

 

“And if I get held up…” Jack continued. He didn’t expect to be. SG-1 wasn’t scheduled for any off-world missions for several weeks, but at the SGC, you never knew.

 

“If you get held up and can’t get away, Dr. Janet or Ms. Theresa will come get me,” Danny recited automatically. “I get it, Col. Jack, really.” He hoped nobody would have to come get him. The idea made him nervous, but he had the routine down cold.

 

“I know you do, Sport,” Jack said, rubbing Danny’s head as he walked past. “I’m just checking. Get your stuff and let’s go.”

 

Danny didn’t need to be told twice. He was in the truck before Jack could finish locking up. However, somewhere along the drive, the nervousness that accompanied starting a new school caught up with him. By the time they arrived, he’d gone almost completely silent.

 

“You ok, Sport?” Jack asked. Danny nodded, but the look in his eyes told Jack he was anything but ok. “It’ll be fine,” Jack assured him.

 

“I know,” Danny said quietly, though he obviously didn’t believe it for a minute.

 

Jack sighed; knowing nothing short of a miracle would remove the shadow of doubt from Danny’s eyes.

 

Just then, Jack’s miracle appeared in the form of a red-haired whirlwind with a yellow backpack who came bounding out the door. “Hi, Uncle Jack! Hi, Danny!” Cass called, racing up to them.

 

Much to Jack’s surprise, Danny immediately brightened. “Hi, Cass!”

 

Cass grabbed Danny’s hand. “Come on, I’ll show you your class.” And just like that, they were gone, leaving Jack trailing behind.

 

Danny’s homeroom teacher, who introduced herself as Tina Thompson, was a short round woman who reminded Jack of everybody’s favorite aunt and always seemed to be doing twelve things at once. As she introduced herself to Jack, she was directing Danny to his desk, quelling two boys’ horseplay with a death glare, and giving another girl papers to hand out. “He’ll be just fine, Col. O’Neill, don’t worry.” Jack nodded, hoping he looked more confident than he felt.

 

He nodded over to where Danny was busying himself at the desk Ms. Thompson had given him. “See you later, Sport.” Danny nodded, blushing scarlet. Jack realized belatedly how embarrassing this situation must be for Danny and beat a quiet retreat.

 

Danny, for his part, sank into the desk and tried not to be noticed. Ms. Thompson bustled over. “Ok, Daniel, let’s get you settled. Do you have a planner?”

 

Danny squirmed awkwardly. Great, he was already getting things wrong. “No, ma’am,” he said quietly. “I didn’t know I was supposed to have one.”

 

“They didn’t give you one in the office?” Ms. Thompson asked, puzzled.

 

Danny sank even further into the desk. “No, ma’am.” A few kids in front of him snickered. Danny wished he could just disappear. “I can get one if I need to,” he added hesitantly. He really didn’t want to have to ask Col. Jack for something else, but he would if he had to.

 

“No, no, the school provides them, they just usually give them out in the front office when you get your schedule,” Ms. Thompson explained. “I’ll get you one. You do have your schedule, don’t you?”

 

“Yes, ma’am,” Danny said relieved to have gotten something right. He rambled in his book bag for the schedule and laid it on the desk.

 

Ms. Thompson picked it up and looked it over. She turned to one of the boys behind her. “Tommy, you have Ms. Williams first period, don’t you?”

 

“Yeah,” the boy answered in a tone just this side of belligerent. Inwardly, Danny cringed, knowing even after only a week what Col. Jack’s reaction to that attitude would be.

 

If Ms. Thompson was bothered, she didn’t show it. She turned to Danny. “This is Tommy. He’ll show you around.” Danny nodded, glancing at Tommy, who made a face at him behind Ms. Thompson’s back. Danny sighed. This was getting worse by the minute. “I’ll get you your planner,” Ms. Thompson continued. “Is there anything else you need?”

 

Danny shook his head. “No, Ma’am.”

 

“Ok then.” Ms. Thompson touched his shoulder as she moved back to her desk. “I’m glad to have you here.”

 

The rest of homeroom swirled around him in a flurry of voices and motion. Ms. Thompson, thankfully, didn’t make him introduce himself like a lot of teachers did, and the kids seemed to be ignoring him for the most part. That was fine with Danny. There were worse things than being alone.

 

All too soon, the bell rang signaling the end of homeroom and forcing Danny out of the comfort of anonymity. Tommy jerked his head at Danny. “Come on, kid,” he grumbled and then headed for the door. Danny grabbed his things and headed out after Tommy as fast as he could, but he got trapped in the throng of students in the doorway, and by the time he reached the hall, Tommy had disappeared. Danny stopped still in the hallway, looking frantically for Tommy, but he was nowhere to be found. Danny was once again lost, swamped in a sea of unfamiliar faces swarming around him, bustling between classes without ever seeing him. Danny took a deep breath, fighting down rising panic and a powerful urge to cry, and tried to think. He knew he had Ms. Williams’ class next, even if he didn’t have a clue where that was, surely somebody would be able to tell him.

 

Just then, a boy rushing past slowed to a stop beside him. “Are you ok?” he asked Danny. “You look kinda lost.”

 

“I am lost,” Danny admitted quietly. “I’m supposed to be going to Ms. Williams’ class for social studies, but I don’t know where that is.”

 

The boy grinned. “Come on then, I’m going there too. I’ll show you.” He led Danny through the maze of hallways, rattling on as they went. “My name’s Jamie, what’s yours?”

 

“Danny,” Danny told him, struggling to keep up.

 

“Guess you’re new here, huh?” Jamie went on without really stopping. “Didn’t they give you a buddy?”

 

Danny nodded. “Yeah, but he left me.”

 

“Man, that sucks,” Jamie said sympathetically. “Who was your buddy?”

 

“Tommy,” Danny replied.

 

“Tommy?” Jamie echoed. “Tommy Henderson? In Ms. Thompson’s homeroom?” Danny nodded. Jamie made a face. “No wonder. He’s a jerk.”

 

Jamie slowed in front of a classroom and Danny followed him inside. “So nice of you to join us, Mr. Davis,” Ms. Williams said sternly the instant Jamie stepped into the room.

 

The scolding didn’t faze Jamie in the slightest. “Sorry, Ms. Williams,” he said, not the least bit apologetic. “I had to show Danny how to get here.”

 

Ms. Williams flicked her gaze to Danny, making him want to flinch. “So you’re Mr. Jackson, our new student.”

 

Danny nodded. “Yes, ma’am, I’m Danny.”

 

“Your given name is Daniel, correct?” Ms. Williams asked. Danny nodded. “Then that’s what you’ll be called in this class. I abhor silly nicknames.”

 

“Yes, ma’am,” Danny said quietly, holding back the grimace that threatened only by sheer force of will. He looked at the floor, shuffling nervously.

 

Ms. Williams ignored him and turned to Jamie. “James Davis, are you planning on standing there all day, or do you intend to take a seat sometime this century?”

 

Jamie grinned, unrepentant. “I’m sure I’ll have to sit down eventually, Ms. Williams. A century’s an awful long time.” But he made no move to take his seat. The class erupted in laughter as Ms. Williams’ eyes bulged.

 

“Take your seat, Mr. Davis. Immediately,” she ordered furiously. “You too, Mr. Jackson,” she added as an afterthought.

 

While Jamie folded himself casually into a desk, Danny stood frozen, not knowing where to go until Jamie all but pulled him into an empty desk. “Don’t worry about her,” Jamie whispered from his own desk beside the one he’d thrust Danny into. “She’s mean to everybody.”

Since this only confirmed what Cassie had already told him, Danny simply nodded and tried to focus on Ms. Williams’ boring lecture. This quickly turned out to be a lost cause.

 

“Danny…Danny…” Jamie’s hushed whisper interrupted the daydream rapidly capturing Danny’s attention.

 

“What?” Danny hissed, throwing worried glances in Ms. Williams’ direction.

 

“What class do you have next?” Jamie asked.

 

“Science,” Danny answered.

 

“Mr. Jackson!” Ms. Williams thundered. “No talking!”

 

Danny flushed purple to the roots of his hair. “Yes, ma’am. Sorry.” He slumped down in his desk, trying again to disappear.

 

“Sit up, young man,” Ms. Williams snapped.

 

“Yes, ma’am,” Danny whispered, pulling himself upright. Behind him, he heard Tommy and his friends start to laugh. Any hopes that this school would be better were rapidly disappearing.

 

“Sorry, man,” Jamie said when Ms. Williams turned away. “Next period will be better. Ms. Thompson teaches science, and you already know she’s nice.”

 

Danny nodded, afraid to say too much for fear of attracting Ms. Williams’ attention again. He settled down and prayed for the class to end quickly. When the bell rang, Danny expected to find himself alone again, but this time when the class emptied, Jamie was waiting for him.

 

“I’ve got science next too,” Jamie said. “We’re working on plant projects. My partner got sick so maybe Ms. Thompson will let us be partners.”

 

Danny stared at him, stunned. Nobody ever volunteered to be his partner. He was the foster kid, the geek, the reject to be avoided at all costs. “You want to be my partner?”

 

Jamie shrugged. “Sure. It beats working by myself and you seem to be ok.” Oblivious to Danny’s shock, Jamie went on. “So, where’d you move from?”

 

“New York,” Danny answered, still puzzling over Jamie’s easy acceptance.

 

“Wow,” Jamie said. “That’s a long way from Colorado Springs. Why’d you move here?”

 

Danny was saved from answering by their arrival in Ms. Thompson’s room and the resulting chaos of getting him assigned a book, a desk, and, at Jamie’s request, a position as Jamie’s partner. The reprieve didn’t last long however. As soon as they were settled and working, Jamie asked again, “So, why’d you move here?”

 

Danny sighed. He hated this part. As soon as kids found out he was a foster kid, they’d avoid him like the plague. Wanting to avoid that as long as possible, he shrugged and said, “Just had to.”

 

“But why?” Jamie persisted.

 

“Look,” Danny told him, “it’s a long story. I’ll tell you at lunch, ok?” That seemed to appease Jamie, and Danny turned back to the project, hoping he would come up with a suitable story by lunchtime.

 

Lunchtime, however, came far too quickly for Danny’s taste. He found himself following Jamie into the cafeteria, and he still didn’t have any idea what to tell him. Fortunately, Jamie was too distracted by the mundane details of getting lunch to ask.

 

“So,” Jamie asked as they pushed their way through the door, “did you bring lunch or are you buying?”

 

“Buying,” Danny replied, digging into his pockets for the money Col. Jack had given him.

 

“Me too,” Jamie said. “I always do. With just me and my dad, it just makes things easier.”

 

Danny nodded, understanding completely. That was exactly why he and Col. Jack had decided he would buy lunch.

 

By the time Danny and Jamie had gotten their trays and found seats at a small, round table, the sixth graders were coming in. Cass quickly joined them. “Hey, Danny,” Cass said, sliding into the empty chair across from Jamie. “Hey, Jamie.”

 

Danny looked back and forth between Cass and Jamie. “You know each other?”

 

“Sure,” Cass replied. “Jamie goes to daycare with us. His dad works with Mama and Uncle Jack.” Turning to Jamie, she explained. “Uncle Jack’s adopting Danny.”

 

“Cool,” Jamie said. “Why didn’t you just say that earlier?” he asked Danny.

 

Danny ducked his head, eyes glued to his tray. “I didn’t want you to know I was just a foster kid,” Danny said quietly.

 

“Why?” Jamie wondered. “There’s nothing wrong with being adopted. Cass is adopted too.”

 

“I’m just a foster kid,” Danny repeated.

 

“So,” Jamie said, as though that meant nothing at all.

 

“So, I’m not adopted. I may never be.”

 

“What do you mean?” Jamie asked, confused. I thought Cass said Col. O’Neill was adopting you.”

 

Danny shrugged. “Maybe. He says so, but people change their minds.”

 

“Oh please,” Cass said hotly. “Uncle Jack will not change his mind.”

 

“He might,” Danny said quietly. “People do.”

 

“Not Uncle Jack,” Cass insisted. “If he says it, he means it. Period.”

 

“Ok,” Danny said noncommittally, gathering up his things to follow Cass to math class.

 

Math class passed quickly. Danny was barely aware of Ms. Sobol’s lesson on ratios. He was still mulling over Cass’s words. Everybody seemed to be absolutely sure his adoption was a done deal. Everybody but him. After all, he knew, as all foster kids knew, that nothing was certain. Things could change in an instant. One misstep, one wrong move, and he’d be back in the home in a heartbeat. Still, he wondered. What if Cass was right?

 

He had little time to ponder the question because it took all his energy to survive P.E. the next period. They were playing dodge ball, and Tommy, in particular seemed to have it in for him. By the time he made into language arts, his final class of the day, he was so exhausted he hardly registered what Mr. Flora was talking about. Before he knew it, he was following Cass out to get on the daycare van. Jamie met them at the door so the three of them could sit together.

 

“Hey, Danny,” Jamie said as they climbed into seats. “Are you ok, man? Tommy tried to cream you in P.E.”

 

“No kidding,” Danny said dryly.

 

“So that’s what happened to you,” Cassie said. “I wondered.”

 

“Oh yeah, you should have seen it, Cass,” Jamie said, launching into a vividly detailed replay.

 

Danny ducked his head, expecting the familiar shame. He was a klutz, and he knew it, except that when Jamie told it, it didn’t seem all that bad. Really it was kind of funny, and Danny soon found himself joining in. By the time they reached the daycare, they were all laughing hysterically.

 

By long habit, Jamie and Cass ate their snacks quickly and headed into the homework room. Danny followed automatically. “So what homework does everybody have?” Cass asked as they settled at a table. “I know you have math, Danny.”

 

Jamie had been rummaging through his book bag, but his head popped up at that. “How do you know?”

 

Cass shrugged. “He’s in my class.”

 

Jamie whipped around to stare at Danny. “You are?”

 

“Yeah,” Danny said, struggling to remain calm. “It’s no big deal. That’s just where they placed me.”

 

Jamie had suddenly gone very quiet. “Guess you’re really smart, huh?”

 

Danny shrugged, feeling as though the room had suddenly shrunk, seeing the wall come up between him and Jamie as surely as if he could touch the bricks. “I guess.”

 

“Oh.” The silence stretched painfully between them and their easy camaraderie vanished.

 

After a long moment, Danny stood and began to gather his books. “Wait, Danny,” Cass said and in the same breath she hissed at Jamie, “He doesn’t know.”

 

“It’s ok, Cass,” Danny said. “I understand. Nobody likes the smart kid.”

 

Almost simultaneously, Jamie said, “We’re partners in science. I’m sure he noticed.”

 

“Did he tell you that?” Cass asked.

 

“No,” Jamie and Danny said in unison, “but...”

 

Without warning, Cass reached out and smacked them both in the back of the head hard. “You’re knuckleheads, both of you. Sit down and shut up for a minute, will you?”

 

Too stunned to do anything but obey, both boys sank onto chairs, rubbing at the sore spots on their heads.

 

Glaring at Jamie, she said again, slowly. “He doesn’t know.”

 

Danny realized what she was saying for the first time. “Know what?” Jamie shook his head vehemently, but Cass didn’t budge. Watching them, Danny said again, “What don’t I know?”

 

Jamie ducked his head. “I’m not so good at school,” he said quietly.

 

Danny didn’t miss a beat. “So.”

 

“But you’re…” Jamie began.

 

 He never got a chance to finish, Danny shot up. “I know, I know, I’m the smart kid. This always happens.” He grabbed his book bag again, but Cass grabbed his arm before he could move. He yelped in protest, but Cass ignored him.

 

With one hand still gripping Danny’s arm, Cass smacked Jamie in the head again with the other. “It’s the same thing, doofus.”

 

“Ow,” Jamie grumbled, causing the daycare worker monitoring the room to glare at Cass.

 

Cass settled back onto her chair, not wanting to get them all in trouble, but her hand never left Danny’s arm, and her eyes never left Jamie’s. “It’s the same,” she insisted. “It doesn’t matter that Danny’s good in school any more than it does that you’re not or than it mattered that me and Danny are adopted. It just doesn’t matter.”

 

Almost automatically, Danny opened his mouth to say he wasn’t adopted, but the sore spot on his head held his tongue. Cass seemed certain that Col. Jack was going to adopt him, and he was in no mood to tangle with her again. Besides what she was saying made sense. It really didn’t matter.

 

He glanced up at Jamie, feeling awkward and uncertain and saw the same emotions playing across Jamie’s face. “So,” he said after a moment, “want to work on science while we’re together?”

 

“Yeah,” Jamie agreed, and together they plunged into the plant project, leaving the math buried and forgotten at the bottom of Danny’s book bag.

 

For once, it didn’t seem to take long for homework time to be over. When the kids were allowed to go play, Danny, Jamie, and Cass looked at each other expectantly. “So, what do you want to do?” Cass asked. Both boys shrugged, still subdued. Cass rolled her eyes. “Well, we’ve got to do something,” she told them.

 

“What is there to do?” Danny asked.

 

“Oh yeah,” Cass said, remembering, “you don’t know.” Danny shook his head so Cass continued, “Well, we could go outside to the playground, but there’s a ton of little kids out there, or we could play a game or do a puzzle in here.”

 

“Puzzles?” Danny echoed, eyes brightening. “I like puzzles.”

 

Jamie grinned. “Me too.”

 

“Good,” Cass agreed, “let’s do that then.”

 

They dug through the cabinet where the puzzles and games were kept, finally settling on a fairly complex puzzle depicting the solar system. They dumped the puzzle out on a table and began turning over pieces. Then they each picked a section of the puzzle to work on. Danny had always thought he was pretty good at puzzles, but it soon became apparent Jamie was far better. He completed twice as much as Danny and Cassie did in the same amount of time.

 

“Wow, you’re good at this,” Danny told him.

 

Jamie grinned, a flush of pleasure staining his cheeks. “Thanks.”

 

They were still working on the puzzle when Jack found them. “What are you working on, Sport?” he asked.

 

Danny’s head snapped up and he broke into a grin. “Col. Jack! I didn’t know you were here.”

 

“Snuck up on you,” Jack teased, rubbing Danny’s head. “I’m good at that.” Jack looked over the mostly completed puzzle. “Looks like you’re doing a good job here,” he commented.

 

Danny nodded, eyes sparkling. “Me and Cass and Jamie have been working on it all afternoon. Jamie did most of it. He’s good at puzzles.”

 

“I see,” Jack said. He nodded at Jamie, “This is Jamie, I assume.”

 

“Yes, sir,” Jamie replied, “I’m Jamie Davis.”

 

“Davis?” Jack repeated. “Is Sgt. Walter Davis your father?” Even as he asked the question, Jack could see the answer. The resemblance was clear.

 

“Yes, sir,” Jamie told him, still fitting puzzle pieces into place.

 

Though he’d expected the answer, the information still surprised Jack. He hadn’t even known their mild-mannered gate technician had children, but then again, very few people in the mountain knew about Charlie either. “I’m Col. O’Neill,” Jack went on. “I work with your dad.”

 

Jamie nodded. “Yes, sir, I know.”

 

“Ok, well,” Jack went on, “Danny and I need to go now. It’s nice to meet you, Jamie. Good luck with the puzzle.”

 

“Thanks,” Jamie replied. “It’s nice to meet you, too.” He lifted a hand to wave to Danny, still holding puzzle pieces with the other. “Bye Danny, see you tomorrow.”

 

“Bye Jamie. Bye Cass,” Danny called. “Don’t let them tear up the puzzle, ok. I want to see it tomorrow.”

 

“We won’t,” Cass promised, coming over to hug Jack. “See you tomorrow.”

 

“Yep, see you at lunch,” Danny said, racing off to get his book bag. Jack signed him out, and together they headed home.

 

 

 

“So how was school?” Jack asked as they got in the truck.

 

“It was fine,” Danny told him. “I’ve got social studies, science, and P.E. with Jamie and math and language arts with Cass, and we all have lunch together.”

 

“That’s good,” Jack said. “I’m glad you’re making friends.”

 

“Me too.” Danny was positively beaming. It took all Jack could do not to laugh out loud. It was such a relief to see Danny smiling and happy, just a normal little boy. Right then and there, he thanked whoever was listening for the miracle of friends.

 

“So,” Jack went on not wanting to let the silence go on too long for fear of chasing Danny inward, “do you have homework, or did they go easy on you the first day?”

 

Danny groaned. “I did my science at daycare, but I’ve still got math homework.”

 

“Ok then,” Jack said, “when we get home, you get started on that while I start dinner.”

 

Danny sighed. “Do I have to? I mean, I know I’ve got to do it, but does it have to be right now?”

 

“Sorry, kiddo, house rules. Homework and chores have to be done before anything else.” Jack surprised himself by answering almost automatically. That had been an O’Neill house rule for as long as he could remember, and he quoted it without thinking.

 

“But…” Danny began, but the look Jack gave him stopped the words before they formed. “Yes, sir.”

 

Jack smiled at him, pulling into the driveway and stopping. “Good choice.”

 

Danny nodded then grabbed his book bag and trudged inside to begin his math.

 

 

 

In the kitchen, Danny sat down at the table, tossing his book bag to the floor at his feet. Reluctantly, he pulled out his planner to check his assignment. He really, really didn’t want to do this now, but Col. Jack said it was a rule, and he didn’t want to get in trouble either. He didn't want to chance whatever consequences there might be if didn't do as he was told just yet. So, he picked up his book with a sigh, flipped to the assigned page, and stared at it. His first thought was that it might as well have been Greek, except he could read Greek, at least a little. He read the directions. Then read them again. He tried frantically to remember what they’d talked about in class, but all he could remember was wondering about what Cass had said. He shuffled through his notebook, looking for notes he didn’t remember writing. Unfortunately, he found none. He read through the pages in his book again, praying for insight, but none came.

 

Jack watched from the stove where he was busying himself with dinner, irritation growing with every long-suffering sigh that came from Danny’s direction. He rubbed a hand over his neck. He thought they’d settled that in the truck. “Danny,” he said firmly, “we’ve been over this already. Homework comes first and playing around won’t change that. Get started.”

 

Danny sighed and pick up his pencil. “Yes, sir.” Ten minutes later, he was still playing with the pencil.

 

“That’s enough, young man,” Jack snapped, in the tone that could bring a room full of cadets instantly to attention. “Stop stalling and get busy. Now.”

 

The effect on Danny was equally electric. He jerked upright then looked up at Jack, close to tears. “I don’t know how.”

 

“What do you mean?” Jack asked, confused and more than a little annoyed.

 

“My homework,” Danny said shakily. “I don’t know how to do it.”

 

“Oh,” Jack said, gentling instantly. “Why didn’t you say so?”

 

Danny shrugged. Jack let it pass. In the first place, he hadn’t really expected an answer. In the second place, he already knew the answer. He’d obviously terrified the kid. Quickly turning the heat down on dinner, he crossed the kitchen and knelt by Danny’s side. “Let’s see what you’ve got,” he said, careful to remain casual. Danny didn’t say anything, but he slowly turned the book in Jack’s direction.  Jack glanced over the lesson quickly. “All right, I think I know what you’re doing. Read me the problem, ok, Sport.”

 

Danny nodded, turning the book back to where he could see it and began to read quietly. “A statue is x ft tall and it's shadow is 56ft long. At the same time, a 6 ft tall man casts a 3 ft shadow. How tall is the statue?”

 

“Ok,” Jack said. He opened his mouth to explain then stopped. “Before I confuse you, how did your teacher say to do this type of problem?”

 

Danny started to fidget, dropping his head. “Umm…”

 

“Danny?” Jack asked.

 

“I don’t know,” Danny whispered.

 

“I see,” Jack said slowly. “You did talk about how to do this today in class, didn’t you?”

 

Danny nodded. He knew they had though he had very little memory of the conversation himself.

 

“But you don’t know how the teacher said to do this?”

 

“I wasn’t exactly paying attention,” Danny admitted quietly.

 

Jack scrubbed a hand through his hair, irritation building again. “Danny, we talked about this. You have to pay attention, even if you’re bored.”

 

“Wasn’t bored,” Danny said quietly.

 

“What then?” Jack wanted to know.

 

Danny squirmed, unsure how to answer. He couldn’t very well tell Col. Jack he’d been wondering whether he’d really be adopted, but he couldn’t lie either. That was a big rule, and Danny was in no hurry to find out what would happen if he broke it. “Was thinking about something Cassie said,” he answered finally, praying Col. Jack wouldn’t ask what she’d said.

 

Jack sighed. “I’m glad you’re making friends, Danny, but you can’t let that distract you. School time is for schoolwork. Cass and Jamie can come over after school and on the weekends.”

 

“They can?” Danny said, surprised.

 

Jack stared at him, stunned. “Of course they can. Didn’t you have friends over…” Jack let the question trail off, the look on Danny’s face telling him clearly enough the answer was no. ”Of course they can, son. Let’s get this math done.”

 

Danny startled at the word that came so easily from Jack. Panic came quickly, and he had to fight not to show it. It was just a word, just a word. It didn’t mean anything, not really.

 

“You ok, Sport?” Jack asked.

 

Jack’s unconscious switch to the familiar nickname was enough to settle Danny. He took a deep breath and forced himself to concentrate on his math. “Yes, sir, I’m fine. So, how do I do this?”

 

With that, the conversation switched quickly to the safe topic of homework, leaving the more dangerous topics of friends and adoption safely buried. By bedtime, they were mostly forgotten. Mostly. There was just one thing Danny couldn’t quite let go of.

 

“Um, Col. Jack,” he began hesitantly as Jack tucked him into bed.

 

“Yeah, Sport, what’s up?” Jack asked.

 

“You know what you said about Jamie and Cass coming over,” Danny said.

 

“Yeah,” Jack prompted.

 

“Do you think maybe they could come over this weekend?” Danny held his breath, barely daring to hope.

 

“It’s fine with me,” Jack replied, “but I’ll have to check with their parents tomorrow to be sure it’s ok with them.”

 

“Really?” Danny said, shocked. “It’s really ok?”

 

“It’s fine,” Jack assured him. “I just need to check with their parents first is all.”

 

“Ok,” Danny said, grinning from ear to ear.

 

Jack reached to turn out the light. “Go to sleep, Sport. I’ll check tomorrow.”

 

“Yes, sir,” Danny said and snuggled into bed, feeling happier than he had in a long time.