Raising Danny

By RPonda

Parts 46-57

 

Part 46: To the Cabin or Not

 

That night at dinner, Danny asked, “How come we aren’t going to the cabin?”

 

“Danny,” Jack answered. “We already talked about that. When we talked about going to the cabin, I didn’t expect my leg to heal this quickly. I had to go back to work earlier than planned.”

 

“It’s not fair,” Danny whined. “You promised.”

 

“Danny Jackson O’Neill!” Jack said sternly. “The matter is closed. I don’t want to hear any more whining.”

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny said quietly. He began pushing his food around on his plate, not really eating any more.

 

Daniel noticed Jack getting ready to scold Danny again and intervened. “Danny, are you done eating?” he asked.

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny answered sadly.

 

“Put your dish in the sink and then go play in your room for awhile,” Daniel suggested.

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny agreed.

 

After Danny left the room, Jack spoke up in anger, “I know what you’re doing, Daniel. He needs to learn not everything will not go his way.”

 

“Believe me, Jack,” Daniel stated. “He already knows that. We’d already told him we’d go to the cabin.”

 

“It wasn’t a promise,” Jack insisted.

 

“It sure felt like it to me,” Daniel challenged. “You know we can still take a few day’s off before you’re cleared for active duty.”

 

“That’s not the point, Daniel,” Jack argued. “We’ve taken too much time off as it is.”

 

“I don’t think that’s it at all, Jack,” Daniel replied, thinking he might have figured it out. “I think you’re having second thoughts about sharing your memories with us.”

 

“That’s not it,” Jack said too quickly. He wondered when he had lost control of this argument. “Okay, so that is it,” he said, giving in. “I’ve thought about it and I don’t know if I’m ready to go there yet.”

 

“Then be honest with Danny about it, Jack,” Daniel insisted. “He thinks he did something wrong.”

 

“No, he doesn’t. He just thinks I had to go back to work early.” Jack wasn’t ready to admit the truth to himself yet.

 

“Jack!” Daniel said in frustration. “Tell him what’s going on or I will.”

 

“For crying out loud, Daniel, it’s not that simple.” Jack ran his fingers through his hair. “Fine, we’ll go.” Jack would rather deal with going to the cabin, than talk. “I’ll talk to Hammond and we’ll take three days off next week. He has fall break then, right?”

 

“Yes, he does,” Daniel answered, “but that doesn’t solve the problem.”

 

“It’ll be fine, Daniel,” Jack assured him. “I’ll make it fine. Trust me.”

 

“Fine,” Daniel said. “I’ll go tell him. You’re sure you can handle it?”

 

“I’m sure, Daniel,” Jack responded.

 

Daniel found Danny in his room playing with his Lego’s™. He’d built a house with no windows and only one door. A Lego™ man was inside the house and Danny was adding the roof. He looked so serious. Daniel, afraid of disturbing him, sat on the floor next to him. Danny continued to build. “Danny, what are you building?” he asked.

 

“A safe place,” Danny whispered, “for the little boy.”

 

“Why does the little boy need a safe place?” Daniel was beginning to worry about what Danny was thinking.

 

“Everyone needs a safe place,” Danny answered simply. “You know that, Baba.”

 

“Yes, I do know that,” Daniel replied. “Is there a reason the little boy needs his safe place tonight?”

 

“He made his daddy angry,” Danny said quietly. “He didn’t mean to, but he did. Then his daddies argued. So he needed a safe place.”

 

“Does he know what his daddies argued about?” Daniel questioned. Danny seemed more comfortable talking this way, so Daniel continued to let him.

 

Danny nodded. “His daddy is scared.”

 

“What’s his daddy scared of?” Daniel wanted to know just how much Danny had heard.

 

“He’s scared of sharing his other son,” Danny answered. “He doesn’t think he can go back to the cabin.” Danny looked up at Daniel for the first time. Tears were falling down his cheeks. “I’m sorry, Baba. I won’t ask to go to the cabin anymore. I promise,” he cried.

 

Jack had been standing in the doorway, listening to their conversation. Not able to take it anymore, he walked into the room, picked Danny up, and sat on the rocker with him. “It’s okay, Danny,” he comforted, tears in his own eyes. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

 

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” he said again. “We don’t have to go to the cabin. I shouldn’t have ever asked about Charlie.”

 

“You have every right to ask about Charlie, Danny,” Jack assured him. “I’m the one that needs to deal with this, not you.”

 

“You still feel sad, don’t you?” Danny asked.

 

“Yes, I do,” Jack admitted. “I miss him a lot.”

 

“I still miss my parents,” Danny agreed. Then he thought of something. He looked at Jack and asked, “Daddy, you remember when we visited my parents’ graves in New York?”

 

“Yes, of course I remember,” Jack replied, wondering what Danny was getting at.

 

“It made me feel better,” Danny told him. “Maybe if we visited Charlie’s grave, you might feel better.”

 

Jack didn’t say anything. He hadn’t visited Charlie’s grave since the funeral. He wasn’t sure he was ready, but he also knew he couldn’t keep raising Danny and not deal with it.

 

Daniel spoke up, “What do you think, Jack? It did help Danny and I.”

 

Danny added, “You wouldn’t be alone.”

 

“Okay,” Jack agreed. “When do we go?”

 

“Tomorrow,” Daniel told him. “After work.”

 

“Tomorrow,” Jack repeated. If he didn’t do it soon, he knew he’d chicken out. “Okay,” he agreed.

 

“Good,” Danny said.

 

Jack seemed to remember Danny sitting on his lap. He gave him a hug. “Thanks, Danny.”

 

“You’re welcome, Daddy,” he said hugging him back.

 

“Now, young man. I think it’s your bedtime,” Jack told him.

 

“Okay,” Danny said. He was tired. “One thing first.” Danny climbed down from Jack’s lap. He walked over to his Lego™ house. Then he opened the door and put in two more Lego™ men. He turned to Daniel and stated, “Now everyone’s in their safe place, Baba.” He hugged Daniel tight and then got ready for bed.

 

 

Part 47: Charlie

 

The next day after work, Jack and Daniel picked Danny up at daycare and drove to the cemetery where Charlie was buried. Jack parked the truck and helped Danny out.

 

“It’ll be okay, Daddy,” Danny assured him, grabbing his hand.

 

Jack looked down at his new son and squeezed his hand. “I know, Danny. It’s just hard.”

 

Daniel walked up next to them. Danny took his hand also. Then they walked to Charlie’s grave.

 

Jack may not have visited the grave since the funeral, but he would never forget where it was.

 

Danny let go of their hands when they were a few feet away. He walked over to the headstone and knelt in front of it. He traced Charlie’s name with his finger, like he’d done with his parents. “He misses you, Daddy,” he said quietly.

 

“I miss him, too,” Jack replied, kneeling next to Danny and putting a hand on his shoulder.

 

“He’s not here anymore though,” Danny told him.

 

That shocked Jack. “What do you mean?”

 

“He’s not here in the cemetery,” Danny answered. “He’s never been here.”

 

Jack was speechless. He didn’t understand what Danny was talking about.

 

“Where is he then?” Daniel asked. He’d sat down on the other side of Danny.

 

Danny looked over at his baba. “He’s in Daddy’s heart,” he said simply. “He always has been.”

 

Jack’s tears fell at last. That was so much like what the crystal entity had told him. He just couldn’t forget why his son had died. Still couldn’t stop blaming himself.

 

“He needs you to talk about him, Daddy,” Danny said, wiping tears from Jack’s face with his hands. “Otherwise, he has to hide inside you. He doesn’t want to do that.”

 

“I don’t want that either, Danny,” Jack told him, pulling Danny into a hug. “I’ll try to share him.”

 

Daniel joined the hug. “We’d like that, Jack.”

 

Jack wiped the rest of his tears from his face. “Thanks, guys,” he said. “Can I have some time alone?”

 

“Sure, Jack,” Daniel answered. He took Danny’s hand and they walked around the cemetery to give Jack some privacy.

 

A short time later, Jack joined them. “I’m ready to go now,” he told them. He felt better than he had in a long time.

 

Danny looked up at him. “I love you, Daddy.”

 

“I love you, too, Bug.” Jack picked him up and carried him back to the truck.

 

 

Part 48: Teal’c’s Time

 

Jack and Daniel packed the truck Tuesday morning before work so they could leave immediately from the base.

 

Danny could barely concentrate on anything that day. “What time are we leaving?” he asked for the umpteenth time.

 

“In another hour, Danny,” Daniel answered patiently.

 

Fortunately for Daniel, Teal’c entered his office. “Daniel Jackson. I am here to inquire if Danny Jackson O’Neill may come work out with me in the gym.” Sam had informed him Danny was driving Daniel crazy and he’d decided he might be able to help.

 

Danny looked at Daniel, excitement evident in his expression. “Please, Baba,” he pleaded. “I’ll be good and do whatever he tells me to.”

 

“You’re sure, Teal’c?” Daniel asked. He knew Danny could be a handful when he was like this.

 

“I am certain, Daniel Jackson,” Teal’c replied.

 

“Fine then,” Daniel said waving them away. “I need him back in an hour, showered.” He stared at Danny, knowing he hated taking showers.

 

“Thank you, Baba,” Danny said. He ran off, grabbed Teal’c by the hand, and walked out of the office.

 

After changing clothes, Teal’c and Danny entered the gym. There were a half-dozen other men in there also working out.

 

“What are we going to do, Teal’c?” Danny asked excitedly. He was literally bouncing up and down.

 

“You, Danny Jackson O’Neill, are going to stop bouncing,” Teal’c informed him. Danny immediately stood still. “Am I right to assume you would like to spar.”

 

“Spar?” Danny looked up at Teal’c in confusion.

 

“Practice fighting,” Teal’c explained.

 

Danny’s eyes lit up. Then clouded over. “Daddy said I couldn’t,” he said sadly.

 

“I have recently spoken with your fathers,” Teal’c assured him. “They will allow me to teach you to fight, if you promise not to use what you learn outside of our practice sessions.”

 

“I promise, Teal’c,” Danny agreed, starting to bounce again. One look from Teal’c stopped him cold.

 

“Very well,” Teal’c said. “We will begin on the mats.”

 

Teal’c and Danny walked over to the mats. Teal’c kneeled on the mat so he would be closer to Danny’s height. It helped a little. Then Teal’c proceeded to show Danny different holds and movements, allowing Danny to practice what he had learned until he could accomplish the skill with ease.

 

The entire time the other men in the gym were watching them surreptitiously. They knew Danny was the son of both Colonel O’Neill and Dr. Jackson. Most of the men and women on base didn’t have a problem with this, but some did. Either because they didn’t feel a child should be on base, or because of his fathers. Two of these men were currently in the gym. “Why are you wasting your time with the runt, Teal’c?” Peterson asked stupidly.

 

Danny’s head dropped to his chest and his arms crossed tight around his middle.

 

Teal’c defended Danny. “Who I choose to associate with, is indicative of who I feel is worthy of my time.”

 

Danny understood what Teal’c meant and lifted his head in surprise.

 

Peterson was too dense to get it. “Whatever,” he said, and then he walked off to the showers with his friend. He was at least smart enough to not confront Teal’c physically.

 

“Thanks, Teal’c,” Danny said.

 

“No thanks is necessary, my young friend,” Teal’c told him, laying a hand on his shoulder. “I was only stating the truth.”

 

Danny beamed. Then he hugged Teal’c. They sparred for ten more minutes before it was time for them to shower.

 

Danny entered the locker room with Teal’c and looked around. He spied the gang showers. “Uhm, Teal’c,” Danny said uncertainly.

 

“Yes,” Teal’c replied, beginning to undress.

 

“I’ve never taken showers like this before,” he said, worried. There were three other men currently showering.

 

“I will assist you in any way you might need,” Teal’c assured him.

 

Danny still was embarrassed, but he didn’t want to say any more. He undressed himself and joined Teal’c in the showers. He washed himself as quickly as he could, including his hair, which he hated doing. Then he turned off the water and wrapped a towel around his whole body. After he dried off, he dressed in the clothes he’d be wearing to the cabin.

 

Teal’c was ready at the same time. “You did not seem to need any assistance, Danny Jackson O’Neill,” he commented.

 

“No,” Danny said shyly. “Thanks anyway.”

 

“Are you ready to return to Daniel Jackson’s office?” Teal’c asked.

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny answered.

 

Teal’c returned his charge to Daniel Jackson freshly scrubbed and beaming. Then he left.

 

“I take it you had a good time,” Daniel stated, smiling at him.

 

“Ya think,” Danny said. Then he whispered, “Teal’c called me his young friend.”

 

“That’s a great honor,” Daniel told him. “Teal’c doesn’t call many people his friend.”

 

Danny just smiled back.

 

 

Part 49: Cabin-Skylight

 

Soon Jack walked into Daniel’s office ready to leave for the cabin. “Come on, Daniel,” Jack said, picking up Danny. “Let’s get a move on.”

 

Daniel put away what he was working on, shut down his computer, and left with Jack and Danny.

 

The cabin was about three hours away driving. For the first hour, Danny talked non-stop. He told them about what Teal’c had taught him, about the stupid soldier who bugged them (Jack was determined to find out more about him from Teal’c), and about school and daycare. At the point Jack thought his ears would fall off, Danny ran out of steam and fell asleep.

 

Daniel and Jack enjoyed the rest of the trip talking and listening to music.

 

When they arrived at the cabin, Danny woke up and looked around. “Wow, this is cool!” he yelled out. “Hurry up and let me out of here, Daddy!” Jack turned around and gave him the look. “Sorry, Daddy,” he said apologetically. “Will you please get me out?”

 

“Yes, Danny,” Jack said, “but when you get out, you need to stay close and not run off. Daniel and I need to unload the truck.”

 

“I won’t run off, Daddy,” Danny promised. He hated having to wait. Jack finally let him out of the truck and he ran into the cabin ahead of his dads. Then he ran back out. “Which bedroom is mine?” he called out.

 

“Patience, Danny,” Daniel told him.

 

“I’m a kid, I’m not supposed to have patience,” Danny informed him. “Besides, Daddy doesn’t have any patience either,” he teased, and then ran back into the cabin to explore.

 

Daniel stared at Jack. “He’s right you know,” he told Jack.

 

Jack didn’t say anything in reply. He just walked past Daniel to put the box he was carrying in the kitchen.

 

It was a very nice cabin. On the first floor there was a living area with a large fireplace, the kitchen, a bathroom, and one bedroom. On the second floor there were two more bedrooms and another bathroom. A wide porch surrounded the entire cabin. The lake was a few yards straight off the front and Jack knew there was a rowboat stored in the shed. The nearest neighbor was nearly a mile away.

 

Danny ran back down the stairs. “Can I have the corner bedroom with the skylight?” he asked.

 

“Yes, you can have that bedroom, Danny.” Jack handed him a bag. “Go put your stuff in the dresser.” He wasn’t surprised at the bedroom choice Danny made. Charlie had always slept in that room because you could see the stars from your bed. “So, Daniel. Do you want the upstairs bedroom next to Danny, or the downstairs one?”

 

“Which one do you normally use, Jack?” Daniel asked.

 

“The first floor one,” Jack answered.

 

“I’ll take upstairs then,” Daniel told him, as he headed upstairs to put his bag away.

 

Danny came into Daniel’s room and jumped up on the bed. “Can we go exploring tonight? Please?” he pleaded.

 

Daniel hung up some shirts. “It’s too late tonight, Danny. We’ll explore in the morning. After we unpack we’ll eat dinner and then it’s your bedtime.”

 

“But I slept in the car,” Danny pouted. “I’m not sleepy.”

 

“Danny!” Daniel scolded.

 

“Well I’m not,” Danny insisted, wanting the last word.

 

Daniel sighed. Maybe the cabin wasn’t such a great idea. “Why don’t you go see how Jack is doing?” he suggested.

 

“Fine,” Danny replied petulantly. “Maybe he’ll be more fun.” He rolled off the bed to head out the door.

 

“Danny Jackson O’Neill!” Daniel didn’t like reprimanding Danny, but sometimes he needed it.

 

Danny stopped in the doorway. Then slowly turned around. He realized he’d gone too far. “Sorry, Baba,” he apologized. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

 

Daniel gave him an ultimatum. “Either watch your attitude or you’ll be going to bed right now.”

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny said quietly, head down. “May I go see what Daddy is doing now?”

 

“Yes, you may,” Daniel told him. “Tell him I’ll be down in a minute to help with the rest of the unpacking.”

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny replied. Then he walked out the bedroom door. As soon as he reached the stairs he ran down them.

 

Daniel thought, ‘It’s going to be a long five days.’

 

After unpacking his things, Daniel went downstairs to see what else needed to be done. He expected to find Danny driving Jack crazy. Instead, he found Jack getting dinner ready. “Where’s Danny?” Daniel asked.

 

“I told him he could go outside as long as he stayed on the porch,” Jack told him. “I also turned on the outside lights.”

 

“Oh,” Daniel replied. “Do you need any help?”

 

“No, I’m just heating up soup. I think I can handle it,” Jack said teasingly. “Why don’t you go keep an eye on Danny?”

 

“Uhm, yeah, okay,” Daniel said hesitantly. “It’s your turn to tuck him in tonight, right?”

 

“Chicken,” Jack teased. “Yeah, it is. Don’t worry though. I’ve got a trick that always put Charlie to sleep, even when he was this wired.”

 

“Good,” Daniel agreed, waving his hand at the door. “I’ll go keep an eye on him then. About fifteen minutes?”

 

“Yeah, that should work,” Jack replied. “I’ll call you guys when I’m ready.”

 

Daniel went outside to find Danny sitting on the railing looking out at the lake. He quietly sneaked up behind him and then tickled his tummy, grabbing him so he wouldn’t fall. “What’s up?” he asked after Danny stopped giggling.

 

“It’s quiet here,” Danny replied. “Like on the desert. A different quiet though.”

 

Daniel sat down with Danny on a porch swing and listened. He could hear an animal running through the brush, an owl hooting, and the water gently hitting the shore. It was peaceful. “It is nice,” Daniel agreed. “I can see why Jack likes this place.”

 

“Yeah,” Danny muttered, snuggling in. He looked up at Daniel. “My bedroom used to be Charlie’s room. I found some of his toys in the closet. Do you think Daddy will let me play with them?” he asked.

 

“I’m sure he will, Danny,” Daniel assured him, wondering where all of Danny’s energy had disappeared to.

 

They sat on the swing enjoying the peace until Jack called them in to eat.

 

“What are we going to do here, Daddy?” Danny asked between spoonfuls.

 

“Oh, I don’t know,” Jack teased, “sit in the house and read all day.”

 

“Sounds good to me,” Daniel agreed.

 

Danny wasn’t sure if they were telling the truth or not, until he saw Jack smile. “Hey,” he said indignantly, “stop teasing.”

 

“Okay,” Jack said. “We’re going to do some fishing and some hiking and some boating. Might even roast some marshmallows.”

 

“Cool,” Danny said. Then he got a puzzled look on his face. “What’s a marshmallow?”

 

Jack looked shocked. “You’ve never had a marshmallow?”

 

“Uh, uh,” Danny replied shaking his head. “I don’t think so.” He looked over to Daniel for confirmation.

 

Daniel agreed, “Probably not.”

 

“For crying out loud!” Jack exclaimed. “You’ve probably never had s’mores either, then.”

 

Both Danny and Daniel shook their heads.

 

“Tomorrow night for sure then,” Jack assured them. “Campfire and s’mores. Right now though…” Jack noticed Danny had finished eating. “…you need to take a bath and go to bed.”

 

“I already had a shower today,” Danny complained. “Right before we left.”

 

Jack checked with Daniel. “Yeah,” Daniel confirmed. “After he worked out with Teal’c.”

 

“Okay, then,” Jack said getting up from the table, “straight to bed then.”

 

Danny groaned, but stopped when he got the look from his dad. “Yes, Sir,” he said, getting up and putting his dishes in the sink. Then he went upstairs and Jack helped him change into his pajamas.

 

Daniel came in and hugged Danny good night, and then stood in the doorway to see what Jack’s trick was.

 

Jack tucked Danny under the covers, turned off the light and lay down next to him. Then he looked up through the skylight at the stars. Pointing out different stars and constellations, he and Danny soon fell asleep. Daniel left them there and went to sleep himself.

 

 

Part 50: Cabin-Fishing

 

Jack opened his eyes the next morning to see Danny’s face.

 

“Morning, Daddy,” Danny said. “Sun’s up.”

 

‘Yes,’ Jack thought, running his fingers through Danny’s messy hair, ‘my son is up, and it’s a great feeling.’ Aloud he said, “Morning, Bug. Ready to go fishing today?”

 

Danny sat up in bed and started bouncing. “In the boat?” he asked excitedly.

 

“Yes, in the boat,” Jack agreed. He looked down at himself and realized he’d fallen asleep in his clothes. “I think I need to take a shower before breakfast though. Why don’t you go wake up Daniel?”

 

“Sure,” Danny answered. He bounced off the bed and ran into Daniel’s room.

 

After breakfast, Jack and Daniel got the rowboat out of the shed and sat it in the water. Jack checked it over to make sure there weren’t any leaks. Determining the craft seaworthy, he called Danny over.

 

Danny walked slowly over to the short dock. He was nervously rubbing his thumb.

 

Jack couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Danny had been so excited earlier. “Danny,” he said gently. “What’s wrong?”

 

Danny shook his head slowly. “I don’t know how to swim,” he said quietly. “What if I fall in?”

 

Jack gave him a hug. “It’s okay not to know how to swim. That’s what the life vest is for. If you fall in it keeps you floating.” He held out the child’s life vest he’d brought down with the boat.

 

Danny took it from him and looked it over. Then he put it on, and Jack tightened the straps. As he pulled the crotch strap through Danny’s legs, Danny asked, “What’s that one for?”

 

Jack answered, “This one is so that the vest can’t slip off the top of your head.” Then he buckled the strap and tightened it.

 

Danny looked at his dad. “Where’s your vest?” he asked.

 

“Mine’s in the boat,” Jack replied. “I know how to swim.” He noticed Danny still looked nervous. “Do you want me to wear it?” Danny nodded, so Jack put his vest on. “Better now?”

 

“Yes,” Danny answered. “How come you don’t have that other strap?”

 

Jack laughed. Danny didn’t miss anything. “My shoulders are bigger so it won’t come over my head. Okay?”

 

“Okay,” Danny said. He turned to Daniel. “Are you coming with us, Baba?”

 

“Not this time, Squirt,” Daniel answered. He helped Danny into the boat. “I’ll have lunch ready when you get back.”

 

“Can’t swim either, Daniel?” Jack asked, untying the boat.

 

“I can swim, Jack,” Daniel replied. “Didn’t learn until college, but I can swim. I just thought you two would enjoy fishing more by yourselves. See ya.” Daniel pushed the rowboat out.

 

“See ya, Baba,” Danny said waving.

 

Jack rowed them out to where he thought there might be fish. Then he set Danny up with a child-sized rod and reel. He attached the bobber and Danny hooked the worm. “Eeww,” he said, wiping his hands on his pants.

 

Jack threw the line into the water, cranked the handle once, and handed the reel to Danny. “If the bobber bounces, pull up quickly on the rod to hook the fish. Okay?”

 

“Okay,” Danny agreed. He sat on his seat in the boat holding the rod, intently watching the bobber, for about fifteen minutes. Nothing was happening. He started looking around to see if anything else was more interesting. Jack had packed an ice chest with juice and water, so Danny got one out and drank it. He watched the bobber some more. Nothing. Then he leaned over the edge of the boat and ran his fingers through the water. “Daddy?” Danny questioned.

 

“Yes, Bug?” Jack asked, noticing Danny was bored.

 

“Is fishing supposed to be fun?” he asked, watching the water drip from his fingers.

 

“It is when you’re catching fish,” Jack answered truthfully.

 

“Oh,” Danny said. “I’m not catching any fish though.”

 

“We haven’t been fishing more than thirty minutes, Danny,” Jack said. “It takes time.”

 

“Oh,” Danny replied again.

 

Jack reeled his line in. “I’ll tell you what,” he said. “Why don’t I teach you how to fish with a lure?” Danny looked at him curiously. “It’s a way of fishing where you get to do more, even if you don’t catch a fish. Reel your line in.”

 

“Okay,” Danny said, as he sat up and reeled his line in.

 

Jack took Danny’s rod from him and cut off the bobber. “I’m going to attach a sinker first, until you learn how to cast. We don’t want you catching the hook on anything while you’re learning.”

 

“Okay,” Danny agreed, not having a clue what Jack was talking about.

 

After Jack had tied on the sinker, he picked Danny up and sat him on his lap. Then he handed the rod back to Danny. “Okay, Bug. See this button on the bottom of the reel.” Danny nodded. “You push it in and hold it. Then you bring the rod back.” Jack was showing him what to do as he told him. “Swing the rod forward, and let go of the button.”

 

Danny watched the line fly across the water. “Cool!” he said. Then he reeled it in.

 

“Now you try it,” Jack told him.

 

Danny put his thumb on the button, brought the rod back, and swung the rod forward. Plunk! The sinker dropped right in front of the boat. “It didn’t work,” Danny said sadly.

 

“Just reel it in and try again, Danny,” Jack told him. “You let go of the button too late.”

 

“Okay,” Danny said, willing to give it another shot. He tried again. This time it went a little farther.

 

“That’s good, Danny,” Jack said. He put Danny back on his bench. “You keep practicing on that side of the boat, and I’ll fish on the other side. When you get the feel of it more, I’ll switch you to a lure and then you can try and catch some fish.”

 

This way of fishing was a little more fun for Danny. At least he was doing something other than waiting. On the sixth cast, the sinker hit Jack in the head. “Sorry, Daddy,” Danny said quickly.

 

Jack rubbed the back of his head. “It’s okay, Danny. That’s why you’re not using a hook yet. Go ahead, keep practicing.” He went back to his fishing.

 

Danny was relieved his dad wasn’t angry. A couple casts later, he hit himself on the head. “Ouch,” he yelped, rubbing his head.

 

Jack chuckled. “See what I mean.”

 

Danny nodded and went back to his practicing. A half an hour later Jack asked him if he wanted to switch to a lure. “Nope,” he told him. “I’m having fun doing it this way.”

 

“Okay,” Jack replied. As long as Danny wasn’t bored, he guessed it didn’t matter if he caught any fish.

 

A couple hours later Jack decided he’d had enough. He hadn’t caught any fish, but he’d had fun watching Danny get better and better with his casting. “Reel your line in, Danny,” he told him. “It’s time to go back.”

 

“Yeahsureyebetcha,” Danny said, as he reeled in his last cast. “Can I row us in?”

 

Jack didn’t want to point out that Danny was way too small to row the boat, so he said, “Come sit by me and you can help.”

 

“Okay,” Danny said. He put his rod in the bottom of the boat and carefully made his way over to his dad.

 

Jack lifted him onto one knee and gave him the end of one oar. “You help me with this one, Danny.” Slowly but surely they made their way back to the cabin dock.

 

Daniel had noticed them coming in and went down to help. “So, how was the fishing?” he asked as Jack threw him the rope.

 

“Great,” Danny said, lifting up his arms to be lifted from the boat. “I learned how to cast.”

 

“That he did,” Jack added. “He learned fast.” Jack placed the equipment onto the dock.

 

“Can I practice more after lunch?” Danny asked, as Daniel helped him off with his life vest.

 

“You can cast from shore,” Jack agreed. “I think I’ve had enough of the boat for today.”

 

Danny started to run off to the cabin when he heard Jack call him back to put his things away. “Sorry, Daddy,” he said. Then he grabbed his things and put them away in the shed.

 

Daniel asked Jack as they were carrying in the rest of the equipment, “Is there going to be any fish for dinner tonight?”

 

Jack didn’t even bother to answer. He walked past Daniel to put the things away and went into the cabin for lunch.

 

 

Part 51: Cabin-Campfire and S’mores

 

After lunch, Danny spent his time casting from the shoreline. By dinnertime Jack knew he was definitely ready for a lure the next time they went out.

For dinner Jack grilled steaks and a hamburger for Danny. While Jack was cooking, Daniel and Danny built the campfire. After spending so many years in the desert, both of them were used to building fires.

When dinner was finished, they sat around the campfire waiting for it to die down so they could roast marshmallows. Danny had gathered some pinecones and placed them by his chair. Every so often he would pick one up and throw it into the fire to watch the sparks fly.

Jack wasn’t happy with this activity. “Danny,” he said sternly, “stop throwing things into the fire.”

“Yes, Sir,” Danny replied automatically. He dropped the pinecone he was holding back onto the pile. A few minutes later, he forgot about what his dad had told him and picked up another pinecone. Then he threw it in the fire and the sparks flew, in more ways than he’d planned. Next thing he knew, Jack had picked him up around the chest and delivered a firm swat to his backside. “Ow!” he exclaimed in surprise, more so than pain.

“I told you to stop throwing things into the fire,” Jack stated. Then he placed Danny back on his chair and sat down again himself.

“Yes, Sir,” Danny said quietly. “I’m sorry.” He dropped his head and stared at his hands as he rubbed his thumb. Nothing moved except for his hands. Not a sound was made.

Daniel watched Danny carefully. He seemed very withdrawn. Much more than a simple swat on the backside should cause. Daniel glanced over at Jack and gave him a look that said, ‘You broke him, you fix him.’

Jack caught Daniel eye and got the message. If he thought Danny was just trying to manipulate him, he would have ignored him, but Danny seemed truly upset. “Danny,” he called gently. No response. “Danny,” he said a little louder, “come over here.”

Danny shook his head, and whispered, “I’m fine, Daddy.”

Jack got up and walked over to pick Danny up. Danny flinched. ‘Whoa,’ Jack thought. ‘Something is definitely wrong.’ “Danny, can I pick you up?” he asked. Danny shrugged his shoulders, so Jack picked him up and returned to his chair. With Danny on his lap Jack asked, “Danny, what’s wrong? Are you upset because I swatted you?” Danny shook his head. “What is it then?”

Danny spoke into Jack’s chest, “You scared me.”

“How did I scare you?” Jack questioned, rubbing Danny’s back.

“When you picked me up and spanked me,” Danny told him. Then he looked up at Jack. “You never did it that way before. You’ve always told me before you spanked me.”

“And that scared you,” Jack responded.

Danny nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

“I’m sorry I scared you, Danny,” Jack said sincerely. “That’s not what I meant to do.”

“I know,” Danny replied. “I’m sorry I didn’t stop throwing the pinecones when you told me to. I just liked watching the sparks fly.”

“Did you know why I wanted you to stop?” Jack asked. Danny shook his head. “When you make the sparks fly, that’s little pieces of fire. If they land on anybody, they would burn.”

“Oh,” Danny whispered. “I just thought they were pretty.”

“We also need the fire to die down so we can roast the marshmallows over the coals,” Jack informed him.

“Okay,” Danny said. He was quiet for a few moments. Then he requested, “Daddy, can you please tell me if you’re going to spank me, even a little one?”

Jack hugged him tight. “Yes, Danny. From now on I will tell you before you get a spanking, even one swat.”

“Thank you,” Danny said feeling more relaxed as he hugged his dad back.

Jack sat holding Danny for a few more minutes. When he thought Danny was calmer, he asked, “Are you ready to make s’mores now?”

“Sure, Daddy,” Danny answered. “How do you make them?”

Jack was in his element now. “First,” Jack said, reaching behind him to grab the bag of marshmallows, “you have to roast the marshmallow.” He handed Daniel and Danny each a marshmallow and a roasting stick. Then he took one for himself. “Put the marshmallow on the end of the stick,” he said, demonstrating the technique. “Then you stick it over the coals and turn the stick. Don’t let it touch, or you’ll be eating charcoal.” Jack’s marshmallow caught fire and he blew it out.

Danny stared in surprise. “Is that the way you’re supposed to do it?”

Daniel laughed. “It’s the quick way of doing it. You can also keep turning the marshmallow until it turns a golden brown.”

“I thought you said you’d never roasted marshmallows before, Daniel,” Jack commented, putting his own back over the coals to cook more.

“No,” Daniel replied, “I said I’ve never had s’mores before. I’ve roasted plenty of marshmallows. Some people have raved about them.”

“Some people have raved about them,” Jack muttered under his breath teasingly. Louder he asked, “Is yours done to perfection, Daniel?”

“As a matter of fact, it is,” Daniel insisted, inspecting his perfectly golden marshmallow.

“Mine is too,” Danny said looking at his, which was black on one side and brown on the other. “At least I think it is.”

“Yours is great,” Jack told him. Then he took a graham cracker, broke it in half and placed the chocolate on one half. “Okay, Danny. Put your marshmallow on the chocolate.” Danny did so and Jack put the other half of the graham crack on top. “Now pull the stick out.” After Danny removed the stick, Jack handed him the s’more. “Now squish it together so the marshmallow oozes out and eat it.”

Danny looked at his s’more, carefully inspecting all sides.

“Danny,” Jack insisted, “don’t study it, bite it.”

Danny bit into one corner and the marshmallow dripped onto his chin. “It’s good,” he mumbled with his mouth full. “Make yours, Baba.”

Daniel made his and bit into it. After he finished his first bite, he agreed, “It is good. Thanks, Jack.”

“You’re welcome,” Jack said, halfway through with his. “Who wants another one?”

Danny shoved the last bit into his mouth and held up his sticky hand.

“Okay,” Jack told him. “One more.”

When they had finished their s’mores and Jack had doused the fire, Daniel gave Danny his bath and tucked him in. Jack pointed out the constellations again, but this time he stayed awake and returned to his own bed after Danny had fallen asleep.

 

 

Part 52: Cabin-Hiking and Jigsaw Puzzles

 

The next day, Daniel packed a picnic lunch and they went hiking after breakfast. Danny wanted to explore everything he saw on the hike. His dads kept a close eye on him, so he didn’t get far. However, he did have a lot of fun.

 

Around lunchtime, Jack found the meadow he wanted to have the picnic in. They spread out the blanket and feasted. Danny was allowed to explore the meadow after lunch, as long as he stayed within eyesight. A while later, they headed back to the cabin.

 

About thirty minutes into the hike, Danny had worn himself out. Daniel picked him up and carried him the rest of the way. Soon Danny fell asleep with his head on Daniel’s shoulder. When they arrived back at the cabin, Daniel carefully carried Danny up to his room without waking him up.

 

An hour later, Danny came down the stairs rubbing his eyes. “I didn’t want to take a nap,” he grumbled.

 

Daniel picked him up and brushed back his hair. “Sometimes, our bodies decide to take naps even when we don’t want to,” he told Danny.

 

“That’s not fair,” Danny muttered. He still hadn’t completely woken up yet. “What are we going to do now?” he asked.

 

“I don’t know,” Daniel replied. “What do you want to do?”

 

“I saw some jigsaw puzzles in my room,” Danny answered. “Can we put one together?”

 

“Sure,” Daniel said, setting him down. “Why don’t you go pick one out and bring it down?”

 

“Okay,” Danny replied. Then he ran upstairs to pick one out.

 

Daniel cleared of the coffee table to create a space to work. He was expecting Danny to bring back a child’s puzzle, but no, Danny brought back a five hundred piece adult puzzle. “Danny, are you sure this puzzle isn’t going to be too hard?” he asked.

 

“Uh uh,” Danny insisted. “I can do this one.” He held out the box. The cover had a picture of the Egyptian pyramids. “Please?”

 

“Okay,” Daniel agreed. “Dump it out and we’ll turn all the pieces right side up.” Both of them started turning the pieces over and sorting as they did. “Have you ever put a jigsaw puzzle together, Squirt?”

 

Danny nodded. “Yeah. Daycare always has one out and sometimes Rhonda and I work on it.” He continued to flip and sort pieces, separating out the colors and the edge pieces.

 

Jack walked in and saw what they were doing. “Can I help to?” he asked.

 

“Sure, Jack,” Daniel said. “Pull up a chair.”

 

Jack sat down to help. He started to flip pieces over, but wasn’t sorting them correctly. Danny didn’t say anything. He just picked up the pieces and moved them to the right spot. When all the sorting was done, Danny picked a section of the puzzle he thought would be easy. Then he gave those pieces to his dad and started building the edge.

 

“Are you trying to tell me something, Danny?” Jack asked, catching on to what Danny was doing.

 

Danny shrugged his shoulders. He didn’t want to say anything but he wouldn’t lie either.

 

“Who do you think helped Charlie put this puzzle together?” Jack asked with a little bit of indignation.

 

“Sara,” Danny told him, continuing to put the puzzle together. He had almost the entire side of the edging done.

 

Daniel couldn’t help but chuckle. Then he pretended to be busy with his pieces, ignoring Jack’s stare.

 

Jack groaned. Danny was right of course, how, he had no idea. Sara had been the one to help Charlie with the puzzles. He never wanted to let Charlie know he had a hard time doing them. No time like the present to change things. “Yeah, you’re right, Bug,” Jack agreed. “Sara was the one to help Charlie. I’m not very good at them.”

 

“That’s okay, Daddy,” Danny comforted. “You only get better with practice. I’ve been working on the puzzles at daycare.”

 

Jack, hear his own words coming out of Danny’s mouth, grinned. “Practice, huh,” he said. “Well, can I practice with you?”

 

“Of course,” Danny answered. “That’s why I gave you those pieces. It’s like you putting on the sinker instead of a lure. You have to start somewhere.”

 

Jack messed up Danny’s already messy hair even more. “Okay, Bug.” Then he got busy on the section Danny had given him.

 

Two hours later Jack finally finished his section. Meanwhile, Danny and Daniel had finished all the outer edging and about a fourth of the inside. Jack placed his section where it fit in the puzzle. “You did good, Daddy,” Danny praised, as he fit in yet another piece of the puzzle.

 

“Thanks, Bug,” Jack said, standing up and stretching. “I think I’ve had enough for now. I’ll fix dinner tonight and you two can keep working.”

 

“Thanks, Jack,” Daniel said, grateful for any chance to avoid cooking.

 

The puzzle was almost finished by the time Jack had dinner ready. They took a break to eat and then finished the puzzle before Danny’s bedtime.

 

 

Part 53: Cabin-Lost

 

At breakfast the next morning, Jack announced he’d found some things he needed to fix inside the cabin. Daniel wanted to start reading a book he hadn’t had time for, so Danny decided to play outside by himself. However, Daniel did sit on the porch swing to read, so he could watch Danny as he played in front of the cabin.

 

All the animals he was seeing fascinated Danny. He started to imitate them; flapping his arms to fly like a bird or scurrying around like the bugs. Daniel had to laugh quietly at his antics. Then he went back to his reading.

 

Some time later, Jack came outside to see how things were going. Scanning the area, he asked, “Daniel, where’s Danny?”

 

Daniel startled out of his reading. “What? Oh, he’s just acting like the animals, Jack.”

 

“Where, Daniel?” Jack asked again. “I don’t see him.”

 

Daniel put his book down and stood up to look around. “He was just there, Jack. He can’t have gone far.” He looked at his watch and realized more than an hour had gone by. Now he began to worry. “Jack, I’m sorry. I didn’t notice him leave. I’ll go look for him.”

 

“For crying out loud,” Jack exclaimed, as he put his hammer down on the railing. “We’ll both go looking for him. Do you have your cell phone?”

 

“Yeah,” Daniel replied, feeling guilty for not watching Danny more carefully.

 

“Okay, I have mine,” Jack stated. “You take the right and I’ll take the left. Whoever finds him calls and we’ll meet back at the cabin.”

 

“Sure, Jack,” Daniel said, as he took off calling Danny’s name.

 

Meanwhile, Danny hadn’t intended to wander off. While he’d been watching the animals, a small rabbit had caught his attention. Hopping after it, he followed the rabbit until it dove into its burrow. Sorry to see the rabbit disappear, he stood up and looked around. Nothing looked familiar. He couldn’t see the cabin or anything else that he knew. At first he started to panic. He ran around for a while trying to see if he could recognize something. When he couldn’t, he started to cry. He sat down, wrapped his arms around his legs, put his head on his knees and sobbed.

 

Finally, his brain kicked in. He realized he was sort of doing what he was supposed to. His dad had told him, if he ever was lost to stay in one spot. Well, he was doing that now. Then he was to stay calm. Having a little trouble with that. Last, he was to call out every once in a while, but not constantly or he’d lose his voice. He could start doing that now. “Daddy! Baba!” he yelled out. When he received no response, he put his head back on his knees. He hoped someone would find him soon.

 

Daniel traipsed through the forest. “Danny!” he called out over and over. He tried to follow a pattern so he could cover as much area in as short a time as possible. After fifteen minutes of searching, he thought he heard something. “Danny!” he yelled as loud as he could.

 

Danny lifted his head from his knees. “Baba!” he called, thinking he heard Daniel.

 

Daniel definitely heard Danny that time. “Danny! Stay where you are and keep calling me! I’ll find you!” he screamed. Danny kept yelling baba and in a short time, Daniel found him. Danny was sitting on the ground, his face streaked with tears. Daniel ran over to him and picked him up, holding him tight.

 

Danny tucked his head into Daniel’s neck and started crying again. Daniel tried to comfort him. “Shh, Squirt. I’ve found you. It’s okay now.” He rubbed Danny’s back. Then he started back to the cabin, pulling out his cell phone and calling Jack on the way.

 

Danny never completely stopped crying the whole way back. Jack was already there when they reached the cabin. When Daniel had called to tell him Danny had been found, much of his worry left him. However, on his way back, his anger grew. What was it going to take to make Danny stop wandering off? This was the third time. He knew Danny would be expecting a spanking and he intended to give him one.

 

Daniel walked up the steps to the porch, Danny still in his arms. “Jack?” he said warily. He didn’t like the look on Jack’s face.

 

“Is he okay?” Jack asked, concern and anger vying for dominance.

 

“He fine,” Daniel answered. “Just got a good scare though.”

 

“Danny,” Jack said sternly. Danny pulled his head away from Daniel to look at his dad. “I want you to go stand in the corner. I’ll talk to you in a minute.”

 

Daniel put Danny down. He started to walk into the cabin. Then he turned his head around to look at Jack. Danny’s pitiful expression temporarily broke Jack’s resolve. He knelt down and held his arms out. Danny ran into them, holding on tight, his tears starting anew. Jack picked him up and carried him into the cabin. Then he sat down with him in the chair. “Shh, Danny.” Jack comforted. “You’re back now. You’re safe.”

 

After a moment Jack realized Danny was crying so hard he was beginning to hyperventilate. “Danny. You’re having a hard time breathing because you’re crying so hard. I’m going to cover your nose and mouth with my hands. It’ll help you breathe better.” Danny nodded, and Jack did as he said he would. Slowly, Danny’s breathing eased. Jack took his hands away. “Okay, Danny. I need you to relax now.” Jack held him and rubbed his back, while Daniel went to get Danny a drink.

 

When he came back, Danny was cradled in Jack’s lap. Daniel gave him the water to drink. Then pushed Danny’s hair back from his forehead. “What was that all about, Squirt?” he asked in concern.

 

Danny drank some of the water. “I just got scared,” he whispered. “I’m sorry.”

 

“You don’t have to be sorry for being scared,” Daniel told him. “Why were you so scared? Was it just because you got lost?” Danny shook his head. “What then?” Daniel asked.

 

Danny took a deep breath. “It reminded me.”

 

“Reminded you of what?” Jack questioned.

 

“Of where you found me,” Danny replied. “I was all alone again.”

 

“But we found you,” Jack comforted, “both times.” Danny shook his head. “Talk to me, Danny. I need to know what you’re thinking.”

 

“You didn’t find me,” Danny insisted. “Not for a long time.”

 

He was starting to get upset again and hyperventilate. Jack covered his nose and mouth again. “Deep breaths, Danny.” Danny’s breathing eased again. “Are you talking about now or the first time?”

 

“It was longer the first time,” Danny informed them. He drank some more water.

 

Jack looked at Daniel. No one had ever thought to ask Danny how long he’d been on the planet. They’d just assumed they’d found him right away. “How long were you there before we found you, Danny?”

 

“I don’t know,” Danny replied. “It was dark when I first opened my eyes. I was scared and closed them again. The next time I opened my eyes it was light. It felt like forever before anyone found me.”

 

“I’m sorry, Danny,” Daniel said. “We didn’t realize you’d been alone so long.”

 

“Danny,” Jack said, recapturing his attention. “Have you remembered anything about why you were there yet?”

 

“I don’t remember anything,” Danny said carefully, “but I did know some things I didn’t know before.”

 

“Like what?” Daniel asked.

 

“When I saw Daddy the very first time,” Danny said cocking his head towards Jack, “I knew he was the one who was going to take care of me.”

 

“You did?” Jack said in surprise.

 

“Yes,” Danny answered. “That’s why I got so mad when you gave me away. I knew it had to be you.”

 

Daniel asked, “What about all the other things you seem to know?”

 

Danny thought for a moment. “It’s like, when I need to know something, I just know it. I don’t think I know them before I need to though. I’m not really sure. Feelings are different though. It’s like I’m connected to both of you.”

 

“I have a feeling that might be the case,” Daniel stated, processing what Danny had just told them.

 

“Now,” Jack said firmly, remembering what had started this whole conversation, “we have to deal with your wandering off again.” Danny dropped his head to his chest. Jack lifted it back up with his finger. “Why did you wander off, again?”

 

Danny knew he was in big trouble. “I was following a rabbit,” he replied sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to wander off.”

 

“For crying out loud!” Jack had a hard time believing a rabbit had caused all this trouble. “You were chasing a rabbit!”

 

“Not chasing the rabbit,” Danny said, needing to be precise, “I was hopping after it. When it went into it’s hole, I didn’t know where I was.”

 

“You didn’t realize you’d hopped into the forest,” Jack asked in disbelief.

 

“I sorta knew,” Danny responded. “I just didn’t realize I’d gone so far. I was concentrating on the rabbit. I’m sorry.”

 

Jack sighed. Now he had to decide what to do. The last time Danny had wandered off he received a spanking and been promised the same if he did it again. However, the last time had been intentional. This time had been an accident, if following a rabbit could be considered an accident. He decided he needed to talk to Daniel. “Danny,” he said. “I’m going to talk to Daniel for a little while. We’ll be right outside.”

 

Daniel looked a little surprised by this statement. Jack had never consulted him before when he’d disciplined Danny.

 

“Do I have to stand in the corner?” Danny asked, remembering what his dad had said earlier.

 

“No,” Jack answered, “but I don’t want you taking one step off this chair. Understood?”

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny replied.

 

Jack stood up with Danny and set him back on the chair. Then he motioned to Daniel to follow him outside. Once they were outside, Jack asked, “What do you think?”

 

“About what?” Daniel asked, not sure exactly what Jack was asking.

 

“Daniel,” Jack groaned. “About his punishment. What else?”

 

“I don’t know, Jack,” Daniel replied. “You’ve never asked me before. Are you asking me if you should spank him?”

 

“Yes. He was so upset over being lost, I’m not sure if that isn’t enough.”

 

Daniel had to think about it. He was at fault for not keeping a better eye on Danny. However, Danny had been told to stay close to the cabin. Danny knew the rules and the consequences. He counted on those boundaries in his life, even if the consequences weren’t pleasant. Daniel hadn’t had those boundaries. In every new home he was placed in, he’d had to learn a whole new set of rules. When he broke those rules, either he’d been ignored or punished too severely. Danny needed consistency, now more than ever. He asked Jack a question. “What did you tell him the last time he wandered off?”

 

“That he’d get another spanking,” Jack told him.

 

“Then I think you should do it.”

 

“You’re telling me to spank him?” Jack asked incredulously. This advice was coming from Daniel, who wouldn’t spank Danny himself.

 

“No,” Daniel said carefully, “I’m telling you to be consistent. Danny may not like getting spanked, but he needs to count on you to define his boundaries. One of those boundaries being, he can’t wander off.”

 

“I agree with you,” Jack stated. “However much my backside appreciated getting away with something, my heart didn’t. Okay, time to get it over with.” Jack went back into the cabin, not expecting Daniel to follow. He’d always left when Danny was spanked. This time, however, Daniel did follow Jack back in. Jack stood in front of Danny who was still sitting on the chair.

 

“Daddy,” Danny said, speaking up first, “before you spank me, can I go to the bathroom?”

 

“Of course,” Jack said surprised. “Come right back.”

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny said, running off to use the bathroom.

 

“What do you make of that, Daniel?” Jack asked, as he sat down in the chair. “Oh, and what are you doing in here? You always leave when Danny is spanked.”

 

“First, I think Danny is feeling guilty for wandering off,” Daniel answered. Then he added guiltily  “Second, staying is kind of my punishment for letting him wander off.”

 

“Okay,” Jack said, deciding to talk to Daniel about it later.

 

Danny came back from the bathroom and stood in front of Jack. He wasn’t looking so sure of himself now. Jack picked him up and sat him on his lap to discuss the coming punishment. “Do you have anything else to tell me, Danny?” he asked.

 

“I’m sorry,” Danny said. “I didn’t mean to wander off or make you worry about me. I know I deserve a spanking…” He started to tear up, unable to finish what he was going to say.

 

“Danny,” Jack said gently. “What’s wrong?”

 

“I’m scared,” Danny admitted tearfully. “Last time it hurt so much, and you said it would be worse the next time.”

 

“Yet you wandered off again,” Jack stated. Danny nodded. “Knowing what would happen,” he continued.

 

“I got distracted,” Danny said in his defense.

 

“Does that make it okay?” Jack asked.

 

“No, Sir,” Danny replied.

 

“Ready to get it over with?” Jack questioned. Again Danny nodded, not able to talk. Jack undid Danny’s pants flipped him tummy down on his lap, and lowered his pants and boxers. He asked the question he always asked, “Why are you getting this spanking, Danny?”

 

Danny choked out, “For wandering off, again.”

 

Jack started the spanking right off. Danny started crying from the start. However, Jack was determined to deliver as promised. This spanking would be worse than the last one, but not by much. He glanced at Daniel sitting across from him, wincing at every swat. He had to finish this off quickly. After applying a few more hard swats, Jack stopped. He carefully pulled up Danny’s boxers and removed his pants. Then he turned him over on his lap to comfort him. “It’s over, Bug,” he said while rubbing Danny’s back. Checking on Daniel, he noticed him looking almost as upset as Danny. “You’ll be okay.”

 

Danny began to hiccup as his crying slowed. “I’m s-sorry,” he stuttered.

 

“I know you are, Danny,” Jack responded. “I know. I forgive you. I just want you to stay safe.”

 

“I know, Daddy,” Danny replied, wiping away his tears. “I love you.”

 

“I love you too, Danny,” Jack told him while hugging him close. “Any better yet?”

 

Danny nodded. Then he noticed his baba had stayed in the room. He saw that Daniel’s eyes were watery. Carefully easing himself off Jack’s lap, he walked over to Daniel. “Baba,” he said gently, “I love you, too.”

 

Daniel embraced Danny tight. “I love you too, Danny. I’m sorry I didn’t watch you more carefully.”

 

Danny placed his head on Daniel’s shoulders. “I’m tired,” he mumbled.

 

Daniel replied, “It’s been a long day, Squirt. You want me to lay you down for a nap?”

 

“Uh huh,” Danny answered. “Will you stay with me?”

 

“Sure,” Daniel replied. Then he stood up and carried Danny upstairs to take a nap. They both fell asleep quickly.

 

Daniel and Danny slept through lunch. After two and a half hours, Jack decided he’d better wake them up or Danny wouldn’t sleep tonight. Entering Danny’s room, Jack saw Daniel sleeping on his back with Danny’s arm flung across his chest. This time Jack remembered the camera and took a picture before he woke them up.

 

When they got downstairs, Jack decided to tell Danny his restrictions to keep him from wandering off. Danny was trying to avoid sitting down, so he stood in front of Jack. “Danny, I don’t want you leaving the porch unless one of us is with you for the rest of the time we are here,” Jack told him.

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny replied. He didn’t plan on going anywhere without his dads anyway. Getting lost once was more than enough.

 

“So, is there anything you want to do for the rest of the day?” Jack asked him.

 

“I saw some blocks in the bedroom,” Danny answered. “Can I build with them?”

 

“Sounds good to me,” Jack responded. “Why don’t you get them and bring them down here?”

 

Danny retrieved the blocks from his room and played with them until dinnertime.

 

 

Part 54: Cabin-Daniel’s Guilt

 

After dinner Jack gave Danny his bath, built a fire in the fireplace, and then read to him until his bedtime. When Danny was tucked in and sleeping soundly, he decided it was time to talk with Daniel. Daniel had headed back downstairs after saying good night to Danny to clean the kitchen, so Jack went to find him.

 

Daniel was washing the dishes, so Jack grabbed a towel and started drying. “How are you doing, Daniel?” he asked gently.

 

“Fine, Jack,” Daniel answered, continuing to wash. “Did Danny fall asleep?”

 

“Yeah,” he replied, “kept saying he wasn’t tired and then as soon as he closed his eyes he fell right to sleep.” Jack dried a few more dishes then commented, “You seemed to take Danny’s spanking pretty hard.”

 

Daniel didn’t even look at him. Instead he finished washing the last pan, and said, “I’m going to bed now, Jack. I’ll see you in the morning.” He turned to go and was stopped by Jack’s hand on his arm. “Is there something you need, Jack?” he asked looking at Jack’s hand.

 

“Yes, Daniel,” Jack said. “I need for you to be honest with me.”

 

“About what?” Daniel asked, even though he knew.

 

“Daniel,” Jack said, exasperated. “Let’s go sit down.” Stopping Daniel’s protest with a look, Jack guided him to sit down. “What is bothering you, Daniel?” When he didn’t say anything, Jack asked, “Was it the spanking Danny got?” Daniel shook his head. “Daniel, you need to give me a clue here.”

 

“It was my fault he got lost in the first place, Jack,” Daniel said quietly. “Yet he’s the one that got punished.”

 

“So. What?” Jack asked, trying to figure it out. “You’re feeling guilty?”

 

“I guess so,” Daniel replied. “I should have been watching him. Instead I got too involved in my book.”

 

“Yes, you did,” Jack agreed. “I’m sure it won’t happen again, though.”

 

“So that’s it,” Daniel said wearily. “Danny gets spanked and I get off scot-free.”

 

Jack wasn’t sure what to say to that. However, he did ask, “Daniel, do you want me to punish you, too?” Daniel shrugged his shoulders. “If that’s what it’ll take to get rid of your guilt, I’ll do it,” Jack told him.

 

Daniel wasn’t quite prepared for Jack’s offer. He thought for a minute. Then he decided to tell Jack why this whole issue was bothering him so much. “Jack, when I grew up in foster care, there were a lot of rules you had to learn,” he explained. “Some of the rules the parents had, others were unwritten among the foster kids. Every time I was placed in a new home, I had to figure out the new rules. I got very good at slipping under the radar. Unless the home was abusive, I could get out of almost any punishment. I learn to lie, blame others, or just act really sorry, whether I was or not. Most of the parents didn’t enforce the rules they did have. I guess it took too much effort to worry about a foster kid who was leaving in three months. It wasn’t a good way to grow up.”

 

“So you were never held accountable for your actions as a child,” Jack responded.

 

“No,” Daniel answered. “Also, when I was on my own, I was only accountable to myself. I figured out what I wanted in life, and I went after it. Sha’re was the first person I ever had to think about on a daily basis, other than myself.”

 

“And now you have a little five year old son you also have to think about,” Jack said, trying to connect what Daniel was telling him. “You feel like you failed him, and you want someone else to call you on it.” Daniel nodded in agreement. “You’re doing a pretty good job of punishing yourself, Daniel.”

 

“It’s not the same thing,” Daniel insisted.

 

“No, it’s not,” Jack agreed. “You’re being harder on yourself than anyone else would be. Therefore, I think you do need someone else to punish you.”

 

Daniel looked up at Jack finally. “Do you have a punishment in mind?” he asked with trepidation. He’d brought it up and he was willing to accept whatever Jack had thought of.

 

“Yes,” Jack replied. “I have the perfect punishment for the infraction.”

 

When Jack didn’t continue, Daniel asked warily, “And that is?”

 

“You didn’t keep an eye on Danny because you were reading a book, right?” Jack questioned.

 

“Yes,” Daniel agreed.

 

“Therefore, the punishment is you aren’t allowed to read anymore the rest of the time we’re here, unless you’re reading a book to Danny,” Jack informed him.

 

“That’s it,” Daniel asked, unsure of whether it was enough.

 

“Daniel, you’ve already put yourself through watching his spanking,” Jack explained. “The way you were reacting, I thought I was actually spanking you. So, yes, the rest of the punishment is enough.”

 

Daniel thought about it. Jack had a point. “Okay,” he agreed, “no more reading, except to Danny.”

 

“And if you break this restriction,” Jack added, “I’ll take a belt to you.”

 

Daniel looked at Jack in shock. Jack looked serious. He took a deep breath and said, “That’s fine, Jack. I think I will go to bed now. It’s been a long day. Good night.” He stood up to head to his room.

 

“Good night, Daniel,” Jack replied. He didn’t know if he could follow through on what he told Daniel, but he didn’t think he’d need to.

 

 

Part 55: Cabin-Nightmares

 

In the middle of the night, Jack and Daniel woke to screams coming from Danny’s room. Daniel arrived first and woke him up. Settling Danny on his lap, Daniel attempted to calm him down. Jack sat down on the bed offering his support. Finally Danny calmed down enough to talk. Daniel asked, “What was the dream about, Danny?”

 

Danny shook his head, thumb stuck in his mouth.

 

Jack tried. “Was it about getting lost?”

 

Danny again shook his head. “I was dreaming I wasn’t real.”

 

“What do you mean you weren’t real?” Daniel asked, still holding Danny tight.

 

“I was thinking about how I got taken from Giza and put in that place,” Danny explained. “I was trying to figure out how we can both be here.”

 

Jack was trying to follow Danny’s train of thought, but he was having trouble. “You mean you and Daniel?” he questioned.

 

“Uh huh,” Danny agreed. “If I was taken from Giza in 1970, how could Baba still grow up and be here now? If I’d disappeared, how come he didn’t?”

 

Daniel was following his thinking. “You’re wondering if you really did disappear?”

 

“It’s like…” Danny paused in thought. “It’s like if I was taken, then you replaced me. However, we both have the same memories up to the point you found me. It’s confusing.”

 

“Ya think,” Jack replied. “If you’re not real, what do you think you are?”

 

Danny dropped his head onto Daniel’s chest and whispered something neither Jack nor Daniel could hear.

 

Daniel prompted, “What was that, Danny?”

 

“What if I’m a clone?” Danny questioned, lifting his head. “I was watching this movie about pod people taking over the earth by cloning the people around them. What if I’m like them?”

 

Jack insisted, “You are not a pod person, Bug. Dr. Fraiser checked you out. Remember? She said you were as human as the rest of us.”

 

“I know,” Danny replied, not sounding convinced.

 

“There’s something else, isn’t there, Squirt?” Daniel inquired.

 

Danny nodded. Then he blurted out, “If I disappeared once, who’s to say I won’t disappear again?”

 

Neither Jack nor Daniel knew what to say to that. There wasn’t any way to make sure he wouldn’t disappear again. With everything they’d experienced so far, they knew anything could happen. However, they needed to reassured Danny. “Danny,” Jack said, “I know all this thinking you’ve been doing is scary. Nobody can be sure of what might happen from one minute to the next.”

 

Danny looked less than reassured.

 

“However, we can’t live our lives worrying about what might happen,” Jack explained. “Do you like living with us?” he asked.

 

“I love living with both of you, Daddy,” Danny insisted.

 

“We love having you as our son,” Jack stated. “So you have to stop worrying about what might happen and enjoy what you do have. Do you think you can do that?”

 

“I want to,” Danny told him. “But…”

 

“But what?” Daniel asked.

 

“But it’s hard to turn off my brain,” Danny explained. “It’s always thinking and trying to make sense of things. How I’m here, doesn’t make sense.”

 

Daniel hugged him. “I do understand how hard it is to turn off your brain, Danny, but Jack’s right.” Jack looked totally surprised by Daniel agreeing with him. Daniel continued, “You have to believe you’re going to live with us from here on out and try not to worry about it. If it’s within our power, we won’t let anything happen to you.”

 

“Promise?” Danny asked.

 

“Promise,” Jack and Daniel said together.

 

“Do you think you can go back to sleep now?” Jack asked.

 

Danny shook his head.

 

“Do you want one of us to stay with you?” Daniel questioned.

 

Danny nodded. “Please?” he pleaded.

 

Jack looked at Daniel questioningly. Daniel spoke up, “I’ll stay with you, Danny. Just for tonight.”

 

Danny snuggled in close to Daniel and Daniel slid down to get more comfortable. Jack covered them both with the comforter, kissed Danny goodnight, turned out the light, and left the room. When he reached his own room he sat down on the bed and rubbed the back of his neck. He wished he could take all these worries away from his son. A five year old shouldn’t have to think of these things. He decided to ask Carter to look into it when he got back to the base.

 

 

Part 56: Cabin-Fishing take 2

 

Saturday morning, Daniel was awoken by a small child bouncing on him. “Morning, Baba,” Danny said happily.

 

“Morning, Squirt,” Daniel answered back. “You seem in a good mood today.” He hugged Danny then sat up against the headboard.

 

Danny continued to bounce happily next to him. “I am,” he replied. “I guess talking last night helped. I want to go fishing today.”

 

“I’m sure Jack will take you if you ask him to.” Daniel noticed Danny’s bounce diminish. “What, Danny?” he asked.

 

“I want you to come, too,” Danny informed him, using his hurt puppy look for added emphasis.

 

“Danny,” Daniel said with a sigh, “I’m not much for fishing. I’d rather stay here and read.” After he said it, Daniel remembered Jack’s restriction and cringed. Danny gave him a curious look. “What now?”

 

Danny wasn’t sure if he should mention what he knew, since he didn’t know how he knew it. He decided to anyway. “What about what Daddy said?” he questioned.

 

“What do you know about what Jack said?” Daniel asked. He still didn’t understand how Danny knew things and had thought Danny had been asleep when he and Jack talked.

 

Not sure if his baba was upset with him, Danny answered, “You’re not supposed to read here anymore because reading is why you weren’t watching me.” When Daniel didn’t respond, Danny added, “I don’t blame you for that, you know. Getting lost was my fault, not yours.”

 

Daniel pulled Danny into another hug. “I don’t know how you know these things, Danny, but you’re right. However, your getting lost was partially my fault.” Danny looked like he was going to argue the point, so Daniel stopped him. “It doesn’t matter anymore, Squirt. And yes, I’ll go fishing with you if the boat will hold three people.”

 

“It does, Baba,” Danny replied, beaming. “I already asked Daddy that.” He hopped off the bed and headed out the door. “I’ll tell Daddy you’re coming,” he called out on the way downstairs.

 

Daniel sighed. Fishing. He’d never been fishing in his life. ‘How do I get talked into these things?’ he thought. Then he remembered the fact he was a dad to a wonderful five year old boy, and he knew how.

 

So Jack, Daniel, and Danny went fishing after breakfast. Jack put Danny in the front of the boat, so he could cast easier. Daniel sat in the middle and Jack in the back. Jack set Danny up with a lure and then told him which side of the boat to cast to. Then he worked on getting Daniel set up. “You ever been fishing, Daniel?” he asked.

 

“Uhm, no,” Daniel admitted. “Not a clue what to do.” He looked at the rod and reel Jack had handed him.

 

“Don’t worry, Daniel,” Jack reassured him. “I’ll set you up with a bobber system.” Danny groaned. “Cool it, Bug. There’s nothing wrong with using a bobber.”

 

Danny said under his breath, “Not if you want to be bored.” Jack gave him a friendly glare, so Danny whispered to Daniel, “If you get bored, I’ll teach you to cast.”

 

“Sure, Squirt,” Daniel whispered back.

 

Jack had finished with Daniel’s line and showed him how to cast it out. “Just watch the bobber. If you see it bob, yank the rod up and then reel in the line. Got it?” he asked.

 

“I think I can handle that, Jack,” Daniel told him. Daniel sat and watched the bobber, and watched, and watched, and watched.

 

About fifteen minutes later, Danny yelled, “I think I’ve got one!”

 

Jack could see the bend of Danny’s rod indicating he had something on the line. Jack guided him on how to bring in the fish. “I think you’re right, Danny. Take it easy and play with it. Pull up on the rod, and then lean it back down as you reel it in.” He watched Danny do exactly as he was told. Slowly the fish inched closer and closer to the boat. “Daniel, grab the net by your feet.”

 

Daniel looked at his feet and noticed the net. He picked it up and leaned over the side of the boat Danny was bringing the fish in on. When the fish came close enough, he snagged it with the net and lifted it up. Danny had caught a fair-sized trout, big enough to keep. “Great job, Danny,” Daniel exclaimed. Then he added, “Uhm, Jack. What do I do now?”

 

Jack grinned at him, saying, “Pass it back to me and I’ll take the lure out and put it on the stringer.”

 

Daniel passed the net to Jack and then stared at his bobber again. All of the sudden, the bobber jerked down below the water and he jerked up on the rod, snagging the fish. “Jack, I think I’ve got one now,” he stated excitedly.

 

Jack groaned. First Danny, then Daniel, he was supposed to be the fisherman. “Just do what you saw Danny do, and I’ll net it for you.” He followed Daniel’s line, as the fish was pulled closer to the boat. Then he netted the fish and lifted it up. Another trout. It was smaller than Danny’s, but not by much. Jack removed the hook, added it to the stringer and reset Daniel’s line. “Nice catch, Daniel,” he told him.

 

“Thanks, Jack,” Daniel replied. “Beginner’s luck.”

 

“Hey, Baba,” Danny said. “Now we both get to have fish for lunch.” He looked at Jack and added, “Don’t worry, Daddy. I’ll catch one for you to eat.”

 

Jack couldn’t help but smile. “You do that Danny,” he told him. Thirty minutes later that’s just what he did. Danny had caught another trout. Jack congratulated him. Then he strung it and went back to his own fishing.

 

Almost an hour passed and no one had caught any more fish. Both Daniel and Danny were getting bored. “Jack,” Daniel asked, “isn’t it time to go back for lunch?”

 

Jack would sit all day in a boat to catch a fish, but not when he had a five year old with him. “Sure, Daniel. Why don’t you row us in and I’ll leave my line out. Okay?”

 

“Fine with me,” Daniel agreed. He reeled his line in, released the worm, and laid the rod in the bottom of the boat. Danny did the same and then sat by Daniel to help him row.

 

Unfortunately for Jack, he didn’t catch a fish on the way in. After everything was unloaded from the boat, Jack announced, “Come on, Danny. It’s time to clean the fish.”

 

Danny wasn’t sure what he meant by ‘clean the fish’, but he followed along next to him.

 

Jack walked over to a small table he’d placed outside. He laid the string of fish on the table. He told Danny to wait outside for him and went into the cabin to get the filet knife. He’d already sharpened it in preparation for the fish he was supposed to have caught. Then he went back outside.

 

Danny was staring at the fish still wriggling on the table. “Aren’t they supposed to stop wriggling?” he asked, never taking his eyes off the fish.

 

“They will soon enough,” Jack answered, as he took the first fish from the stringer. He placed the fish on the center of the table, held it down, and chopped off its head. “There,” he said. “See Danny, it’s not wriggling anymore.”

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny replied. He’d jumped when Jack had cut off the head, not thrilled at what he was watching.

 

Jack noticed Danny’s squeamishness, but accepted it as natural from a five year old and continued. “Come over here, Bug,” Jack requested. “See, you put the knife in right here.” He demonstrated as he spoke. “Then slide it back to here. Then you open it up and scoop out all the guts.” Jack threw the insides in a pail he had ready. “Finally, you rinse it out. Then it’s ready to cook.” He observed Danny’s interested look and asked, “Do you want to do the next one, Danny?”

 

Danny was somewhat grossed out by the cleaning of the fish, even though he found it interesting. However, he did not want to do it himself. “No thank you, Daddy,” he said diplomatically. “You’re so good at it, I’ll let you do it this time.”

 

Jack chuckled. He knew a con job when he heard one. He didn’t comment on it though. “Sure, Bug,” he replied, “I’ll do your fish.” He saw Daniel walking by and asked, “Hey, Daniel?”

 

Daniel turned around, replying, “Yes, Jack?”

 

“Are you gonna clean the fish you caught?”

 

Daniel took in the mess on the table and Jack’s hands. “I think you’d do a much better job of it, Jack. If you don’t mind?”

 

“Ya think,” Jack quipped. ‘Great,’ he thought. ‘Stuck cleaning all the fish and I didn’t even catch them.’ He wasn’t truly upset. Cleaning fish wasn’t that big a deal to him. However, he did have a plan. “If I clean them, you cook them, right?”

 

Daniel thought about it for a moment. It wasn’t a bad deal. He knew some good ways to cook fish. “Deal, Jack,” he answered, going inside to put some things away.

 

Jack finished cleaning the fish and sent Danny inside to give them to Daniel. Then he cleaned the work area. When he finished, he entered the cabin to the smell and sound of fish frying. “Smells good, Daniel.”

 

“Thanks, Jack,” Daniel replied. “Lunch will be ready in about ten minutes.” He’d already asked Danny to set the table.

 

Jack went to clean up and then returned to the kitchen. He found Danny already sitting at the table. “That hungry, Bug?” he teased, messing up his hair.

 

“Baba said to sit down,” Danny replied. He motioned for his dad to come close. “I think I was bugging him too much,” he whispered conspiratorially.

 

“Ahh.” Jack understood. When Danny was full of energy, he was a handful. He sat down at the table and joined him. “Did you enjoy fishing this time, Danny?”

 

Danny nodded his head eagerly. “You’re right, Daddy. It’s a lot more fun when you catch something.” Then he remembered his dad hadn’t caught any fish and added gently, “I’m sure you’ll catch one next time.”

 

“Don’t worry about it, Bug,” Jack said affectionately. “I’m glad you caught the fish this time.”

 

At that moment, Daniel arrived at the table with the fish in the skillet. “Lunch is served,” he said cheerily. Then he placed one fish on each plate and returned the pan to the sink.

 

Danny examined the fish on his plate. It didn’t look like he thought it should. He was poking it with his fork when Daniel sat down. “Dig in,” he insisted.

 

Spearing a flaky piece of fish on his fork, he slowly brought it to his mouth. He chewed the piece of meat, trying to decide if he liked it. Swallowing as quickly as he could, he washed it down with his milk. Then he poked at the fish some more, pulling the flakes up, but not eating anymore.

 

Daniel noticed Danny playing with his food. He asked, “Is there a problem with your fish, Squirt?”

 

Danny didn’t want his baba to think he didn’t like his cooking, so he asked, “Are you sure this is the fish I caught?”

 

“Yes,” Daniel replied. “I caught the smallest one and you caught the two bigger ones.”

 

“Oh.” Danny continued to poke at the fish. Daniel hadn’t made anything else for lunch, so there was nothing else for him to fill up on.

 

Finally Jack had had enough. “Danny, what is wrong with your fish?” he asked with irritation.

 

Danny looked down at his plate. Then he said quietly, “Nothing’s wrong with it, Sir. I just don’t like the taste. It’s…fishy.”

 

Jack groaned. “It’s fish, Bug. It’s supposed to taste fishy. Haven’t you ever eaten fish before?” Danny shook his head. Jack didn’t like the idea of making him eat the fish, but he also didn’t believe in making separate meals for children. He came up with a compromise. “Danny, if you’ll try two more bites of the fish…” Danny scrunched his nose. “…and you still don’t like it, you can have some of the leftover soup from last night. Deal?”

 

Danny looked from his dad to the fish. He really didn’t even want to eat two more bites, but he was really hungry. Having survived the first bite, he figured he could survive two more. “Deal,” he agreed. He picked up another piece of fish with his fork and got his milk ready. Then he chewed, swallowed and drank. It wasn’t any better than the first. One down, one to go. Following the same procedure, he downed the second bite and then looked at his dad hopefully.

 

Jack sighed. “Still don’t like it?” Danny shook his head. Jack took his plate and set it next to his own. Even if Danny didn’t like it, he did. Then he heated Danny up some soup and gave it to him.

 

Danny ate the soup quietly. He was worried about something, but didn’t want to ask in case the answer was no. Finally, he could stand it no longer. “Daddy,” he said quietly. Jack looked at him. “I’m sorry I didn’t like the fish.”

 

Jack smiled at him. “It’s okay, Bug. You tried it at least.” He went back to eating.

 

“Daddy,” Danny said quietly again.

 

Jack looked at him again. “Yes, Danny.”

 

Danny was rubbing at his thumb. “Does this mean I can’t go fishing again?” he asked into his lap.

 

Picking Danny up and settling him on his lap, Jack asked, “Do you like to fish?” Danny nodded his head vigorously. “Well, I like to eat fish and your baba likes to eat fish, so you catch them and we’ll eat them,” Jack declared. “Right, Daniel?”

 

“Sounds good to me,” Daniel agreed.

 

Danny looked up and hugged his dad. “Thanks, Daddy. I love you.”

 

“I love you too, Danny,” Jack said, hugging him back and kissing his head. “Eww!” Jack teased, “You are washing your hair tonight.”

 

“Daaddy!” Danny whined. Then he got off Jack’s lap and walked over to Daniel. He held out his arms and Daniel picked him up. “I love you too, Baba,” he said, hugging tight.

 

“And I love you, Danny.” Daniel hugged Danny back.

 

Danny settled himself in Daniel’s lap. “Can we go exploring again?” he asked cheerily.

 

“Again?” Daniel and Jack asked at the same time, glancing at each other then at Danny. “Sure,” they agreed.

 

So Jack, Daniel, and Danny went off on another exploration of the woods.

 

 

Part 57: Cabin-Last Day

 

Sunday was the last day they had at the cabin before they had to return to real life. Jack would check in with Janet, and more than likely be cleared for active duty. Therefore, SG1 would go back on the mission rotation and arrangements would be made for Danny to stay with others while they were gone. It wasn’t an ideal solution, but it was the best they could come up with. Everyone could feel the pressures of life returning.

 

“So, Danny,” Jack asked, “anything in particular you want to do today?” They were sitting around the table eating a breakfast of French toast with lots of syrup.

 

Danny looked down at his plate of food and shrugged his shoulders. He didn’t care what they did, he just didn’t want to go home. He stabbed another piece of food and put it in his mouth.

 

“Daniel,” Jack inquired, “you have any ideas?”

 

“Nothing in particular, Jack,” Daniel answered. “We do need to pack up at some point though.” At hearing this, Danny dropped his fork on his plate and slumped down on his chair so his head was barely visible.

 

“Danny, sit up and finish your breakfast,” Jack ordered.

 

“I’m finished,” Danny replied without sitting up. He knew he was pushing his luck, but he didn’t care right now.

 

Before Jack could respond, Daniel asked, “What’s the problem, Squirt?” He had a feeling he knew what was going on, but he wanted to hear it from Danny.

 

“Nothing,” Danny answered noncommittally.

 

“Danny!” Jack said firmly. He didn’t want to go back either and his own irritation was getting the better of him.

 

Danny sat back up on his chair and picked up his fork again, but he didn’t start eating.

 

Jack put his own fork down and took the time to really pay attention to his son. “Danny,” he said more gently this time.

 

“Yes, Sir,” Danny answered, not looking up from his plate.

 

“Danny, look at me.”

 

Danny reluctantly looked up, eyes sad.

 

“Come here, Bug.” Jack held his arms out and Danny climbed onto his lap. “What’s the problem? And don’t say nothing this time.”

 

“I like it here,” Danny answered.

 

“And why is that a problem?”

 

“I don’t want to go home,” Danny replied softly. “When we go home I have to go to school and daycare and you both go back to work, and since you’re better now you’ll go on missions. I’ll miss you guys.” He snuggled into his dad’s arms.

 

“Oh, Danny.” Jack sighed. He didn’t want to go back either. However, no matter how much he would love to retire and stay home with his son, Earth and the SGC still needed him. Soon, he promised himself, he’d figure out another way. “I understand how you feel, but if you spend all day worrying about it, you won’t have any fun. Do you really want to spend the last day like that?”

 

“No,” Danny admitted.

 

Jack looked to Daniel. He could tell Daniel felt the same way. Trying to break the somber mood, he suggested, “Let’s get everything packed up, so we don’t have to worry about it. Then we’ll drive to these caves I know of and explore them until we have to go home. How does that sound?”

 

Danny began to show some interest. “What are the caves like?” he asked.

 

“Well,” Jack began, “you have to crawl in through the opening. Then it opens up into a cavern. There are stalagmites and stalactites, crystals, and all sorts of other things.”

 

Daniel spoke up, “I take it you’ve been there and know it’s safe.” He thought it would be interesting, but he knew it was easy to get lost in a cave if you didn’t know what you were doing.

 

“Yes, Daniel,” Jack explained. “I used to go there all the time with Charlie. I know my way around the caverns. We can take a lunch and eat inside. What do you say, Bug, Daniel?”

 

“Sure,” they both agreed.

 

“What about breakfast, Danny?” Jack asked. “You’re going to need a lot of energy to explore the caves.”

 

“I think I could eat more,” Danny answered, sliding off of Jack’s lap and sitting back on his own chair. Then he proceeded to finish off his French toast as quickly as he could. “I’m done,” he announced.

 

“Okay, then,” Daniel said, “you go pack up your room, while we pack ours. Then we’ll pack the truck and head out.”

 

Danny got off his chair, carried his plate to the sink, and ran off to his room.

 

“Thanks, Jack,” Daniel said. “I’ll do the dishes.” He stood up and began clearing the table.

 

“You’re welcome, Daniel,” Jack replied. “But if I help, it’ll go faster.”

 

So Jack and Daniel cleaned up the cabin, made sure Danny didn’t forget anything, and packed up the truck. Then they headed off to check out the caves.

 

The caves were just as Jack had promised. Small enough not to turn into a tourist trap, but large enough to keep them occupied until it was time to head home.

 

Danny fell asleep on the drive home, waking only long enough to help get himself ready for bed and be tucked in. He slept soundly and dreamt of the fish he’d caught.