Suggested Rating: for teen and older readers
Category: Daniel/Janet, holiday
Setting: Takes place during Seasons 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the show. Pretty much follows canon except for season 7, in which we pretend “Heroes” has a different outcome. : )
Synopsis: Written for the 2007 Christmas Challenge which required a story under the following guideline: Five times Daniel and Janet spent Christmas Eve together.
Author’s Comments: What are the holidays without a little fluff with a beloved fanfic pairing? Merry Christmas! Thanks to my faithful editor, Sonia.
DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable characters and places (the Stargate SG-1 stuff) are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment only and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended. Previously unrecognized characters and places, and this story, are creations of the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
A DAN/JAN CHRISTMAS EVE, TIMES FIVE
- by Michelle Lunsford (December 2007)
Christmas Eve, 1997
“So, are you having a good time?” Janet offered the query as casually as she could while placing a fresh plate of cookies on the table.
Doctor Daniel Jackson, filling his cup with spiced cider, met her eyes with seeming reluctance. “Um, yeah. Thanks for inviting me.”
She cocked one eyebrow at him in recognition that his response had been all obligatory graciousness to the hostess.
“Really,” he assured with a smile that was clearly forced. “I’m enjoying myself.”
Nodding, Janet opted to let it slide. But as she moved to mingle with other guests, her gaze kept drifting toward the archaeologist. Something about that man mystified her. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but one thing was clear – she couldn’t recall ever seeing anyone so in need of a friend.
The party was a merry success, going until late in the evening. As the guests began to disperse Janet decided to take a risk. After all, it was Christmas Eve. She found him, standing alone, hands lodged in the pockets of his khakis as he stared at the decorated tree in her den.
“So,” she began, coming to stand beside him, “I know that holidays can be a… difficult time. And seeing as how we’ve only known each other a few months, I may be way out of line here. But I just wanted you to know, that if you needed someone to talk to…”
“Does the good doctor hold a degree in psychology as well as medicine?”
There was no animosity in his tone but she felt the challenge all the same. “No,” she replied, keeping her own voice neutral. “But I suppose I have learned, working in hospitals and military bases, how to be observant. Especially at this time of year.”
He turned his head and Janet recognized a flash of curiosity and respect mixed with some shadow of pain behind those spectacles. But it was quickly hidden before his gaze returned to her Christmas tree. “That’s part of the reason you had this party.”
She realized his response hadn’t been a question. “Yes. I’ve learned that not everyone has friends or family to share such times with. Or, if they do, perhaps circumstances prevent it. But,” she paused, her own thoughts drifting as she reached out to touch an old, handmade ornament hanging from one of the branches, “I don’t think it’s good for people to be alone at Christmas.”
“So, what about you?” he asked after a moment. “How will you be spending the rest of your holiday?”
Janet wondered if the hint of wistfulness she’d heard in his tone had been real or imagined. “I have a younger brother, but he lives in England.” She smiled, fond memories coming to mind. “He did a year of study abroad during his university days, met the woman of his dreams and fell in love. They settled there after getting married. They have a precious daughter, whom I don’t get to see as often as I’d like. The family takes turns, every other Christmas – one year in the States, one year in Britain with his wife’s extended family.”
Daniel turned to face her then, understanding apparent in his eyes. “And this year they’re in Britain.”
“Yeah,” she whispered as an unexpected wave of nostalgia rolled over her.
“We didn’t celebrate Christmas on Abydos,” he said, gaze drifting away, over her shoulder. “Although… I have a feeling Sha’re would have loved it. She has this amazing, almost child-like wonder…”
Janet took a step closer to rest a hand lightly on his arm. She didn’t know what to say, but sometimes just being there could be enough. She hoped this was one of those times. “I’m glad you came tonight.”
Several heartbeats passed before his focus returned to the present. But although his eyes were misty, his small smile seemed completely genuine this time.
“Me too,” he replied.
^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *
Christmas Eve, 1999
“What’s this?” Daniel peered at the envelope that had just landed on the pages of his open book.
“Your official invitation,” Janet replied.
Cutting his eyes at her, he asked, “Since when do you do written invitations for your annual Christmas Eve party?”
With a slight incline of her head, Janet conceded, “Actually, this was Cassie’s idea.”
“Ah.” Now that he looked at it more closely, the inscription of his name on the front wasn’t quite as neat as Janet’s familiar hand. Opening the envelope he continued, “So, she’s really gotten into helping you out with it this year?”
“Yes. And, for the most part, it’s been for the best.” Daniel met her eyes, arching his brows inquisitively, and she went on to explain, “Let’s just say that Cassie can, at times, be a bit too exuberant in her holiday spirit.”
Smiling in understanding, he read the card. The wording was very ceremonial but inviting. Then he came to the addition – also in Cassie’s hand – scribbled in the margin at the bottom. Uncertain, he glanced up at Janet.
“And this other, more personal bit… was that Cassie’s idea too?”
Janet shifted her weight from one foot to the other and slipped her hands into the pockets of her lab coat before replying. “More or less. Cassie told me a few nights ago, while we were decorating the tree, that the idea of you spending Christmas holed up in your apartment with nothing but your museum pieces to keep you company was – how did she put it? – that it was entirely beyond bearable to the extreme.”
He didn’t know quite what to make of this revelation. He leaned forward across his desk and, a little hesitantly, confessed, “I didn’t realize she was that worried about—”
“Oh, no, no,” she interrupted. “I mean, of course Cassie is concerned about you. She adores you. But… well, let’s just say that when you’re thirteen, everything takes on a little extra drama.”
“I see,” Daniel replied, not really sure that he did. He read Cassie’s handwritten note again.
Daniel, I know lots of people will be coming for the party, but please accept this personal invitation to stay the night in our guest room, and share the next morning with us, as part of our extended family. If nothing else, it’s worth it for Mom’s fab pancakes! Love, Cassie.
“I do appreciate the thought,” he said. “It’s just that…”
“Listen,” Janet began, her tone serious now as she moved around the desk to stand beside him, “I understand that it might seem a little… awkward. And, Cassie’s concern for your wellbeing aside, I don’t want to put you in a situation that makes you uncomfortable. But in light of all you’ve lost this past year…” she paused, reaching to give his shoulder an affectionate squeeze. “Cassie and I both just wanted you to know there’s a place where you’re welcome and wanted. And if you’d rather not spend Christmas day alone, then you don’t have to.”
Daniel glanced at the card in his hand. The recent wound of Sha’re’s death had made this holiday season more difficult to bear than usual, even more difficult than he’d anticipated. This simple offer of friendship and hospitality touched him deeply.
Unexpectedly fighting to find his voice, he slid the card back into its envelope and said, “Tell Cassie that I accept her invitation.” Janet nodded but before she could step away Daniel took hold of her hand. Meeting her eyes he whispered, “And thank you.”
“Merry Christmas, Daniel.” She squeezed his hand once before releasing it.
And as she walked out of his office, Daniel managed a smile. Seems he’d found a way to survive the holiday this year after all.
^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *
Christmas Eve, 2000
Janet could imagine worse ways to spend Christmas Eve, but that didn’t make it any easier to endure the current quarantine. At least the worst of the medical situation was behind her. Now it was just a matter of allowing the antidote they’d finally developed time to do its work, and for any final danger of the condition’s contagious nature to expire. She’d already given General Hammond the good news of her latest assessment – they should be able to lift the quarantine in time for people on base to spend part of Christmas day with their families.
Thank goodness Sam happened to be off base when this hit, she thought, massaging the tired muscles of her neck. Her brother and his family hadn’t been able to make it for their holiday visit from England this year, and she hated to think of Cassie waking up in the morning to an empty house.
A quick rap, rap, rap at the door stalled any further musings.
“I thought the CMO, after so heroically saving the day yet once again, might happen to have time for one well-deserved cup of coffee and some lunch,” Daniel announced from where he peered around the doorframe of her office entrance, a bright red Santa cap perched precariously over his forehead.
Janet couldn’t help but smile. During previous years, Daniel’s response toward the holidays had been one of minimal toleration. Not that she could blame him. Growing up in foster homes, continually dealing with the loss he’d endured throughout his life, Christmas was a time of painful memories. But after Cassie had insisted on inviting him to spend Christmas morning at their home last year, Daniel had chosen to embrace the season from a new perspective. This year she saw in him the little boy, finally enjoying Christmas in a way he’d never been able to before.
All things considered, Janet believed it was a change for the better.
“I’d love to,” she replied, pushing back from her desk. “However, if you’re wearing your festive headgear, then so am I.” She reached for the Christmas bag sitting on the floor beside her desk. One of her nurses had given the entire medical staff headbands, complete with felt reindeer antlers, as a gag gift. Positioning it in her hair she asked, “How do I look?”
“Let’s hope Santa isn’t making a pit stop.” He gave her a wink. “I’d be in danger of having to fight off any male reindeer we might meet.”
She gave him a good-natured slap on the arm as she stepped past him into the corridor, simultaneously fighting a flush in her cheeks. It seemed that Daniel had been dropping little compliments, both playful and serious, with increasing regularity in recent weeks. And while this behavior was not wholly unwelcome, Janet hadn’t wanted to get her hopes up. After all, it was most likely just an extension of his more jovial holiday attitude.
“I guess Sam is planning to stay at your place tonight,” Daniel said as they made their way toward the elevators.
“Yes. I called her earlier to let her know where I’d hidden all the gifts. So Santa should still be able to make his scheduled stop at the Frasier abode, even if Cassie has declared she’s too old for such things.”
“Of course she has,” Daniel commented, rolling his eyes. “I think we probably all go through that phase at some point. But, if we’re lucky, we grow up to re-discover the magic of Christmas all over again.”
Janet stepped into the elevator, waiting until Daniel had followed her inside to press the button. As the doors slid shut, she noticed the handwritten sign that had been tapped to one of them. It read, Look up!
While working at the SGC, Janet had learned that certain members of base personnel were possessed of a mischievous streak. And such traits had a way of finding expression during the most stressful of times – such as during lock-downs and quarantines. More often than not it was harmless practical joking that resulted. Janet deduced that was the case now as, head titled back, she spied a cluster of plastic mistletoe hanging from the ceiling of the elevator car.
She cast a glance at her companion, intending to ask for his speculation of who the instigator of this latest prank might be, but her voice got stuck in her throat when she caught sight of his expression.
Daniel, his head cocked to one side, was staring intently at the fake plant. The only other times Janet had seen him study something with such concentration was when he’d had new artifacts or translations to work on. After what seemed an unbearably long time, he slowly turned that piercing gaze toward her. Time continued to move in a distorted fashion as she watched him move, one hand reaching with surprising speed to push the emergency stop even as his other hand inched deliberately up to her face. When he kissed her it was a simple, chaste moment of contact, but Janet still felt as if her knees might give way. He broke the kiss but remained close, his fingers resting with warm familiarity at her cheek, and Janet found herself wishing that he would kiss her again.
“I, um,” he began, haltingly, as he dropped his hand and took a step back. “I… I suppose I could blame that on the holiday spirit or,” he pointed upward, “the practical joking of the SGC elves.” He took a deep breath and reached up to nervously adjust his glasses. “But the truth is I’ve wanted to kiss you for weeks now. The mistletoe was just a viable excuse.”
Janet casually crossed her arms, the action allowing her a moment to get her racing heart a little more under control. His confession delighted her. But she couldn’t pass up this opportunity to make him sweat, just a little.
“So. Does that mean I should consider this entire exchange nothing more than, shall we say, an early Christmas gift? Or is there more to it than that?”
She’d hoped this might get a rise out of him, or at least gain her more of those adorable nervous gestures of his. But Daniel merely held her gaze and replied, “There’s definitely more to it than that. I just need to know if it’s reciprocated.”
In retrospect, Janet mused, there was something to be said for earnest seriousness. Reaching to clasp his hand, she moved closer and, stretching on tip-toes, met his lips with an enthusiasm that would leave no doubt as to her answer.
^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *
Christmas Eve, 2001
“Can I give you your present now?”
Janet tilted her head, from where it was nestled against the crook of his shoulder, to look up at him. “I thought we agreed not to exchange gifts until Christmas morning.”
“But it’s almost Christmas morning,” Daniel replied, nodding toward the clock on the mantle which declared it was only a few minutes before midnight.
“But that means you’ll have to get up,” Janet protested. “And I’m all warm and comfy.”
She has a point, he thought, enjoying the way it felt as she snuggled a little closer against him. But he’d been planning this moment for weeks and wasn’t about to be deterred.
“Actually I won’t, because I have it right here.” He drew the simple, white envelope from the pocket of his jacket draped across Janet’s sofa and waved it at her temptingly.
“That’s interesting.” He detected the trace of curiosity beneath her attempted disinterest. She pointed at one of the packages under the tree before continuing, “I thought that was what you’d gotten me for Christmas.”
“Well,” he smiled coyly, “that’s one of your gifts.” He waved the envelope again. “This is the other one.”
“I must have been a very good girl to get two presents.” She sat up straight, all pretense of indifference gone. Meeting his gaze she asked, “So, you really want me to open it now?”
“I really want you to open it now.” Handing her the envelope, he sat back and waited.
She bit at her lower lip in seeming concentration, her fingers fumbling in anticipation as she tried to open the envelope. She finally drew out the contents and studied them. Wide-eyed, Janet gasped, “Daniel, this is—I don’t know what to say!”
He grinned. Her response was just what he’d been hoping for. “I believe ‘thank you’ is an appropriate response.”
“Thank you,” she exclaimed with a kiss before throwing her arms around his neck.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, laughing appreciatively at her enthusiasm as he slipped his arms around her waist to return the embrace. “I know how disappointed you were about not getting to see your brother and his family three years in a row.”
“Yeah,” Janet admitted, pulling back to look at him. “Although, it is understandable, what with them giving me a new baby nephew just two days ago.”
“It won’t be quite the same as seeing them at Christmas, but I thought a week in mid-January would be the next best thing.”
“It’s perfect,” she declared. “And Cassie is going to be thrilled. She’s always wanted to go to England…” her voice trailed off as she studied the flight vouchers again. “Wait a minute – this is for three tickets.”
Daniel shrugged. “I hope it’s not too presumptuous of me to invite myself along.”
“Of course not,” Janet assured, her face lighting up with a smile. “Besides, I know David and Evelyn were looking forward to meeting you. I honestly believe that if Evelyn’s due date had been just a few weeks later, they’d have flown over anyway.”
Daniel nodded as he fought off an increasing nervousness. “Well, I was looking forward to meeting them too,” he paused to take a steadying breath, “especially in light of this.” Opening the small, black box that he’d snuck from the same jacket pocket while she wasn’t looking, Daniel slipped off the sofa and went down on one knee. “Janet Frasier, will you marry me?”
For what seemed a painfully long time, Janet said nothing as she sat staring at the ring. One hand – shaking a bit, he noted – raised to cover her mouth. Then, turning eyes glistening with unshed tears toward him, she smiled and breathed, “Yes!”
^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *
Christmas Eve, 2003
“You don’t have to keep waiting on me hand and foot, you know.”
Daniel merely smiled as he set the mugs of hot chocolate on the table and reached for Janet’s favorite chenille throw. “I know,” he replied, draping the throw across her lap.
“In other words,” Janet sighed, accepting the mug he handed her, “you aren’t about to stop the nurse routine any time soon.”
Settling on the sofa beside her, Daniel replied, “If I didn’t know any better I’d swear my translation skills were rubbing off on you.”
“Must be,” she conceded, and let the matter drop as she sipped her cocoa.
She knew part of her frustration was simply because the old adage was true – doctors did make horrible patients. But it was also a means of masking deeper, more unsettling emotions. The staff blast she’d taken on P3X-666 had nearly proven fatal. Although it had been several weeks since she’d returned to duty, both she and Daniel were still working through the aftermath of that close call.
“I know,” she began tentatively, staring into her mug, “that it helps you, to be able to do things for me, to take care of me.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close as he sighed, “And I know that it frustrates you when my overprotective nature kicks in.”
Janet smiled, knowing this acquiescence was just one more example of how hard he was trying. Snuggling her head into the crook of his shoulder she said, “It does. But part of me also enjoys it. And, most importantly, it tells me how much you love me.”
His kiss was warm against her forehead. “And I do love you. Very much.”
“I know. I love you too, Daniel.”
Janet drank her hot chocolate, taking comfort in the warm familiar surroundings. The room was dim, the lights of their tree and a few Christmas candles providing the only illumination. Instrumental carols were playing softly from the stereo. And she relished the feel of her husband’s strong arm holding her tight.
“Thank you,” he said, unexpectedly breaking the easy silence.
Unsure what turn his thoughts had taken, she titled her head to look up at him. “For what?”
He sat his mug aside and took a slow breath. He kept his gaze focused forward, toward some unspecified point in the distance, the way he often did when she knew he was trying to organize his thoughts. “For being who you are – strong, intelligent, and beautiful. For always trying your best to understand me. For loving me and adding so much wonder to my life. For giving me all this,” he waved, taking in the entire room, before turning his face to look at her.
Janet felt a lump catch in her throat. It still amazed her when he looked at her that way, revealing the full scope of his love. And she somehow knew that, years from now, when they were old and grey, he’d still be able to take her breath away like that.
Daniel took her mug and placed it on the table before clasping both her hands in his. “Even before we were married, before we started dating even, you’d given me so much.” He reached up to stroke her cheek and she leaned into the affectionate touch. “I remember how I used to dread this holiday – it took everything I had just to get through it. But you changed all that – you and Cassie. And I couldn’t help but think, after almost losing you, that as devastating as that would have been, my life has still been made so much better, so much richer, for having known you.”
Janet bit her lower lip as tears rolled down her face. “Have I told you that you’re absolutely wonderful?”
He answered with a loving smile, “Only all the time. It’s in everything you do and say.”
She couldn’t help but smile, despite her sniffles. “I love you, Daniel Jackson.”
“Love you too,” he whispered, leaning in close. “Merry Christmas, my love,” he added, then met her lips with a kiss.
~ The End ~