Category: Romance Daniel/Other
Spoilers: The First Ones
Rating: PG
Summary: A short Christmas piece.
Notes: This was originally an idea to continue my story, It never Rains...it Pours , a reference is made to that story but you don't need to have read it.
Thanks to the boys of SG-9 for some inspiration …think you'll see where <VBG>
Dedicated to my dear friend Mac.
"Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends." ~ Cindy Lew ~
Daniel Jackson liked Christmas in Colorado; it was a real white, Thomas Kincaid picture book Christmas. Officially, he had the day off from the SGC, though he knew that alien races didn't always respect human holidays.
Jack O'Neill had offered to host this year's Christmas Eve festivities at his place and as Daniel made his way there, driving carefully through the salt strewn streets, he thought about the evening ahead.
As well as the usual SGC personal, this year there would be a new guest, Antonia Richards, Robert Rothman's replacement. Waiting at the intersection for the lights to turn green, he smiled thinking of her.
Antonia was a member of SG-5. Daniel admired her as a fellow archaeologist; she was knowledgeable and efficient. However, sometimes he found himself looking at the way her hair fell across her face as she sat next to him writing her notes. She would push the dark locks back behind her ear but minutes later they would fall forward again. Then if she were deep in thought wrestling with a translation she would absently twist a few strands through her fingers. Such a contrast to her appearance when on a mission, then her hair was arranged in an efficient ponytail under her cap.
The party was in full swing when he arrived, Daniel was late as usual, but this time he had an excuse, the last minute shopping had taken longer than he'd planned. He dropped his contributed bottle in the kitchen and then looked around for Antonia.
He didn't find her until later, somehow he was under the mistletoe and she was so close he could smell her perfume. A heavier one than the light fragrance she wore around the SGC, not unpleasant not overbearing. He imagined burying his face in her neck so he could savour the smell fully, and run his fingers though the silky strands of her hair. The hair that had so filled his thoughts earlier. She was looking up at him, her eyes bright, the lights from the Christmas tree reflected there and something else? Her lips were there just waiting it was expected; it was Christmas, it was mistletoe, he had kissed Sam earlier, a brief dry kiss between friends. His heart hadn't been in his throat; it was Sam his colleague, his friend, not this woman, beautiful funny, warm Toni.
She was wearing a red velvety dress, the colour chosen for the season, the scooped neckline revealing the top of her breasts; several times his eyes had been drawn to the glittering necklace that hung just above the neckline.
When had it changed that he wanted to take her in his arms, possess her make her part of himself? When had that subtle change occurred, from a friend and colleague to a would be lover? Was it that day in the National Park when her tears had flowed for Robert? Hugging her as they shared their grief for the man who had been yet another victim of the Goa'uld. Yes and he had barely known her then knew she would soon be leaving for Peru. He offered her a job at the SGC, her qualifications were ideal, and she made a competent member of the team. But he knew it was also a selfish motive; he wanted her to be close by, not back in England.
Antonia was still standing close to him; the mistletoe hanging silently above them was making more noise than the chatter in the rest of the room. What to do? A peck on the cheek, no he wanted to taste her lips.
His indecision was ended not by his actions but by hers, she kissed him. Her mouth was warm and soft on his and it was over far too soon.
She didn't speak just smiled a small smile.
He had to say something before she moved, "Happy Christmas Toni," he said lamely.
"You too Danny." She said the diminutive of his name softly, as if a little unsure he would approve.
He was used to the nickname, had been called it for years first by his parents, often by Jack but never by her and he liked the way she said it with her English accent.
The mood was broken by Jack, "Hey Daniel, trust you to monopolise all the pretty girls, under the mistletoe!" he laughed.
Antonia keeping with the custom kissed Jack.
Daniel had a moment of doubt, of course it was the mistletoe and Toni was being polite observing the traditions, she was simply being fair. He felt his face begin to flush at the thoughts that had run through his mind, to cover his embarrassment he headed for the safety of the kitchen.
The sound of the party and the raucous singing and dancing from some of SG-9, as they performed the actions to YMCA, meant Daniel didn't hear Antonia enter the room.
She walked up close to him and took his hand in hers, "You running away? " she asked.
"No," he denied it.
She smiled sensing the untruth, " I don't bite," she teased.
"Good!" He wasn't wrong about the signals after all, his heart soared and he kissed her. Not a brief kiss this time, a long deep kiss, that left them both breathless.
Daniel and Antonia slipped away unnoticed from the party, heading for their own private Christmas celebrations, leaving the room thumping to the sound of the Time Warp and the sight of Jack leading the semi co-ordinated actions.
© Katana 2001