Surprise! by Lionchilde

Surprise!

By: Lionchilde

CATEGORY: Angst, Alternate Universe

WARNINGS: None

AUTHOR’S NOTES: This is a followup story to Rediscovered Hearts and takes place about 7 years after Beachhead if Vala hadn't gone to the Ori Galaxy. Jack's retired and both couples are married. it also helps to be familiar with The Crystal Skull as Daniel's grandfather, Nick, has returned from P7X-377. Writen for sg_challenges.

AUTHOR’S WEBSITE:

http://so-out-of-ideas.livejournal.com/

Four members of SG-l trampled down the ramp, the clanking of their boots echoing loudly throughout the Embarkation Room. Following the rest of his team, Daniel reached up tiredly and pulled the dusty bandanna from his head. It crackled as it slid away, blue sparks of static electricity flying off around it, and his hair rose with it, spiking in all directions.

“Welcome back, SG-1,” General Landry’s voice sounded as they reached the floor. “Good to see you all back in one piece.”

“Thank you, General; it’s good to be back. In one piece that is,” Cam replied as Daniel tried in vain to tame his hair with the fingers of his free hand, his eyes automatically scanning the Gateroom for Vala.

“I’ll expect a full report once Dr. Lam’s cleared you from the infirmary, Colonel,” Landry said. “Dr. Jackson, I'm afraid there's been a problem--”

"What?" his head snapped back toward the general. The rest of the team froze on their way to the door, turning as well. Vala had been on maternity leave, but she wasn't due for another three weeks. Daniel hadn't wanted to accompany SG-1 off-world this time, but she'd insisted that he was being overprotective.

"Everything's okay," Landry held up a hand reassuringly. "The baby arrived last night."

"But--" Daniel felt his chest tighten with fear and self-recrimination. "They're…?"

"Both fine," repeated the general. "And the sooner you're through in the infirmary, the sooner you can see him."

Daniel nodded, his hands coming up to cover his face as he let out a shaky breath. His fingers slowly moved downward and he blinked in surprise. "Him?"

"Did I say him?" Landry frowned, feigning confusion. "I meant them."

"It was…supposed to be a girl…" Daniel said with a bewildered expression.

"You wanna file a complaint, Jackson?" Cam laughed from the doorway. Landry allowed a smile as well and turned to walk back to his office, shaking his head as he went. The team trooped down the hall toward the infirmary, murmuring congratulations and talking excitedly about presents they'd have to bring Vala, since much of what the Jacksons had bought in preparation for the new baby's arrival was feminine. Daniel trailed behind, still looking rather dazed. Sam turned back, frowning worriedly over her shoulder when she saw him staring down at the floor.

“Everything ok, Daniel?” she asked.

“No,” he replied softly. “No, it’s not.”

Cam and Teal'c halted as well, looking questioningly at her from the infirmary entrance. Sam pivoted and walked back to her friend, laying a hand on his arm. His head shot up and he frowned, startled by the touch.

"Daniel, there's no way you could have known this was going to happen," she said.

"Yeah, I know that, Sam. I just…wish there had been. Or that I hadn't left in the first place, I guess," he said.

"You're here now," she reminded him, turning to go inside.

Daniel stood for a moment longer, then finally nodded and followed the team.

* * * *

He was still brooding as he walked through the maternity ward to the private room that Carolyn had arranged for Vala, though it was rather hard to do so with Teal'c in front of him loaded down with Mylar balloons, a teddy bear, and flowers for Vala. The sight of Manda comfortably ensconced in the hospital bed with Vala's arm around her finally brought a genuine smile to his lips, and he walked up to the bed. Nick reached to give his arm a squeeze in congratulations, and he returned the gesture, glad at least that his grandfather had been able to be here for Vala.

One year old Carter O'Neill, whom Jack had somehow managed to sneak in with despite restrictions against child visitors who weren't family, shrieked happily at the sight of Sam. She grinned in response and hurried over to lift him from his father's arms.

Manda's eyes went wide at the sight of the presents that Teal'c and Cam were toting for a moment, then she turned a grin up at Daniel. "Daddy!"

"How's my girl?" he asked softly.

"Fine," she answered, looking meaningfully down at the blue-wrapped bundle that Vala was helping her hold. "Look!"

"Who's that?" asked Daniel, moving the blanket slightly to peek at the tiny, wrinkled pink face of his son.

"My baby!" Manda declared, bobbing her chin for emphasis.

"Your baby?" Daniel's eyebrows rose in surprise as the rest of the team began to laugh.

Vala smiled as well, reaching out a gentle hand to touch her daughter's cheek. Manda to look at her with a questioning glance. Vala winked. "Can we share the baby?"

Manda frowned in consideration. Her bottom lip jutted out thoughtfully for a few seconds, then she nodded agreement and looked back at Daniel. "Our baby."

The ripple of laughter that had been running through the room became a roar. The baby let out a startled squall and everyone quickly stifled their amusement while Vala soothed him. Sam turned her attention back to the boy in her arms and gave his nose a tweak.

"How's my baby?" she asked.

"Oh, I'm fine," Jack spoke up dryly.

"Not you!" she laughed, her free hand reaching to give his head a playful swat.

Daniel chuckled and walked around the bed to kiss Vala's temple. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She nodded quietly but didn't move her head away from his lips. Her hand drifted briefly up touch his cheek. "We're going to have to name him," she laughed shakily.

"You two really gotta start thinkin' up names for your kids before you have 'em," Jack remarked.

"Well, we had one this time," Daniel sighed. "Meredith doesn't work very well for a boy."

"Works for McKay," Jack shrugged.

"McKay?" repeated Daniel.

"Sure. That's his name. He kinda changed it," Jack explained.

"Which…would be my point…" Daniel replied.

"Right," Jack nodded.

Daniel shook his head, his eyes drifting back across the room to his grandfather. "I have a better idea," he smiled.

Nick's eyes widened in surprise and he laid a questioning hand on his chest. "Me--you mean--?"

"I can't think of a name I'd like better," Vala spoke up.

Daniel grinned and moved to take the baby from Manda. Yep, he thought as he proudly carried Nicky over to his grandfather. That name will be just perfect for my son.

** The End **

Feedback to: lionchilde@msn.com

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