Myrddin's Shield

Final Chapter

Cameron was amazed at how quickly the villagers had made their village look like a ghost town: empty streets, shuttered windows and the odd arm or leg hanging out of a window for extra effect made it all seem horribly realistic. He staggered down the main street, coughing as he went. He was having fun playing the part of a plague-infested peasant but every one of his senses was aware of what was going on at the village entrance and he was ready to react should it become necessary to defend the village.

From the corner of his eye, he could see Sam, sitting in a doorway near the huge archway that allowed access to the village. She clutched her stomach and coughed wretchedly every so often.

Sam was too nervous to be having fun. From where she was, she had a clear view of Cansalla waiting anxiously just inside the village wall. What if Cansalla's nerve failed her? What if Lord Maltus decided to perform a thorough investigation of the village? What if…no, it was a good plan. The man was obviously a coward and would hopefully just leave.

The sun was setting and the twin moons were slowly making their way up into the sky. For the hundredth time, Cansalla's eyes scanned the trees, looking for Lord Maltus and his men. Her face shone palely in the dwindling light: partly because of the make-up she was wearing to make her look unwell and partly because of fear. She just hoped she could keep her nerve and convince Lord Maltus that there was a deadly plague within the village.

There was the sound of marching feet and Lord Maltus and his men erupted out of the woods and across the waste strip between the trees and the village rim. He was a tall, obese man and his face was pitted and scarred. A cruel sneer leapt to his lips as he spied Cansalla waiting to greet him. How pathetic these people were. Easy pickings.

He looked around greedily, looking forward to seeing what weapons, trinkets and food this village had to offer him today. However, before he could demand his tributes from the village, Cansalla called out, "My Lord, come no further!"

Maltus and his men stopped in surprise. "What is the meaning of this, woman?" he demanded to know.

Cansalla coughed and said, "We have a sickness in the village. Many of our people have succumbed. Some have died and the rest of us are too weak to bury the bodies." She indicated the scene behind her: several bodies were lying on the ground at the back of the village square.

Lord Maltus stepped a little closer to see then stopped uncertainly on hearing Sam cough and moan and seeing what looked like an arm hanging out of a window further up the street. "My men made no mention of any illness when they visited here two days ago. What sort of sickness is it?"

"We did not realise then that the sickness some of our young had would spread so quickly amongst our people or with such devastation," Cansalla replied, misery underlying her words.

On cue, Cameron staggered closer and leaned heavily on the central obelisk clutching his stomach and groaning. Cansalla coughed again then said, "It started with a fever and stomach pains. Then the adults began to get sick and some now have terrible sores on their faces and arms. It has spread so rapidly through our people, I am afraid that no-one will survive."

She groaned and clutched her stomach, taking a step closer to Maltus and his men. "Please…Can you help us? Is there anything you can do?"

Maltus took an involuntarily step backwards and looked annoyed more than anything at the prospect of losing one of his sources of income, however pathetically small. It was highly inconvenient but just one of those things. There would be other planets to plunder.

"We shall leave this place!" he declared to his men. "It reeks of death already!" and with that he and his men turned on their heels, leaving as quickly as they could. They passed by a thick clump of undergrowth but failed to see the pair hiding within.

Daniel and Vala, crouching down behind the scrubby bushes, had watched the entire scene playing out from their vantage point at the edge of the forest. They were close enough to see Lord Maltus's disgusted face as he stormed past. When he was safely out of earshot, Daniel whispered, "He's fallen for it, thank goodness. Did you recognise him, Vala? Was it Korlash?"

Vala whispered back, "Yes, he's older and fatter but it's definitely him. Still a bully and a coward. I knew he'd run a mile at the first sign of danger and…well, it was a quite brilliant plan, even if I do say so myself."

Daniel asked, "Are you going to dine out on this for a while?"

"Oh for at least a month, I should think," Vala grinned. "I know I'm brilliant but it's nice to have other people realise it too! A girl's got to make the most of her opportunities for adulation!"

Daniel rolled his eyes and hung his head in submission.

Vala leaned against him and said softly, "It is good to know I can be useful sometimes."

Daniel said, "I told you that you'd earned your place in SG-1…and, at the risk of making you even more big-headed, I'm glad we've got you in the team contributing your own unique style."

Vala flushed. "Thanks."

"Yes, you certainly are unique. Crazy. Impossible. Hard to keep up with but unique." Daniel stood up and, as she struggled to rise, he pulled her to her feet. She wobbled slightly as if she was finding it hard to balance and dropped her gun.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked with concern. "I think we ought to get you back to the SGC and get you checked out. You have had a bit of a day after all."

Vala picked up her gun. "I'm a bit sore but I'm all right, really Daniel…A medical can wait a couple more hours. Let's go enjoy the party. Cansalla promised there'd be dancing." She grinned at him and winked.

He laughed. "And I suppose I'm going to have to dance with you."

"You'd better or I shan't speak to you for a week!"

"Promises, promises! Think of all the work I'd get done!"

Laughing the two of them headed back into the village to join the men and women who were cautiously beginning to celebrate Lord Maltus's departure. As they passed through the archway, Cansalla turned on the Shield and a huge cheer rose up. People started slapping the members of SG-1 on their backs and pulling them into grateful hugs. No-one noticed Vala drop her gun once more or the way that she grimaced as she stooped down to pick it up.

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Daniel felt completely happy for the first time in a long, long time. He watched Vala dancing with little Hana and some of her friends: simple pleasure lighting up her face in a way that made him feel very lucky to have her in his life. Suddenly he knew that Vala being a full part of his life felt right. He would tell her as soon as they were alone just how much he loved her.

Of course, they still had a lot to talk through and would have to work out what steps they should take in the future but it was something they could do together. Together: what a wonderful word, Daniel thought. It would be good after all this time to have someone to share decisions with, to share everything with.

Vala stumbled a little as she danced her way over to him and held out her hand: he smiled as he allowed himself to be drawn into the crowd of dancing children and adults.

Cameron had been talking to Cansalla and Gann but they had now gone off to dance so he walked across to where Sam and Teal'c were sitting watching Daniel twirl Vala round and around. He took the seat next to Sam and leaned back, his elbows resting on the bench behind him. He surveyed the room briefly and then his eyes came back to rest on the dancing pair of team members. The broad smile on Daniel's face was a feature Cameron had seen only rarely before but it suited the man. "Something's changed between those two."

Sam smiled as she said, "Yes, I think it has."

"Think it's going to cause a problem? Them working together an' all." Cameron asked.

Sam considered the question then shrugged. "He's a civilian; she's not from our planet. I don't think the usual rules apply…and if you try and enforce them, you'll end up losing both of them sooner than you'd hoped."

Cameron accepted her statement and said, "You think I should just go with the flow then." He turned his attention back to the celebration.

From where he sat behind the two humans, Teal'c said, "Indeed." He watched the dancing couple and smiled to himself. Everything was working out as he knew it was supposed to and he believed Daniel and Vala would make a formidable team in whatever venture they decided to undertake together.

With Saurun as her guide, Madrianna made her way slowly through her celebrating people and across the room to where Mitchell and the others were sitting. "Colonel Mitchell? I think it is time you were leaving."

"Ma'am?" Cameron said, casting a surprised look at Sam. "Have we outstayed our welcome?"

"No, my young friend." She smiled in his direction. "You have been most welcome and are welcome to come back at any time. It is just that I believe your friend is ill. You need to get her home. A woman in white will make her well again."

Sam looked confused. "I feel fine," she said.

"It is not you of whom I speak." Madrianna turned and pointed her stick in the direction of the dancers. Vala stumbled again and put her arms around Daniel's neck and whispered something in his ear. He stood still and looked at her, concern radiating from every inch of his body. Then he escorted her off the dance floor towards the rest of the team.

Cameron, Sam and Teal'c stood up as the pair reached them. Daniel said quietly, "Vala doesn't feel well."

Sam was by her side in an instant. "What's wrong?"

The dark haired woman looked at her friend and said calmly, "I feel a bit nauseous, Sam, and my vision appears to be getting a bit blurry again."

"Any other symptoms?"

Vala hesitated before she admitted, "I've lost the losing the feeling in my right arm a couple of times and I'm having trouble keeping my balance."

Sam looked worried. "Did you bump your head today?"

"Hmm…Yes, I did…When I fell down the steps in the Shield chamber…but I think I may have bumped it earlier too. It was aching after I fell into the trap in the Earth cavern." Vala leaned heavily on Daniel as colour started leeching from her face.

Sam said, "Damn. Why didn't you tell me?"

Cameron looked from Vala to his second-in-command. "Sam, what's wrong?"

Sam looked serious. "It sounds like concussion. We've got to get Vala home as quickly as possible."

Vala yawned. "Don't say I'm ill. I don't want to spoil the party for everyone. Just tell them it's time for us to go."

"Right." Cameron made his way quickly but calmly over to Cansalla and Gann to say goodbye on everyone's behalf while Teal'c gathered up the cloaks they had been given and collected their gear from where they had stashed it under a table near the entrance.

Madrianna touched Daniel's arm. "All will be well, Daniel. Vala. You need not fear…We shall meet again one day, I hope…Now go. Saurun and Brin have prepared a cart for you. Use it to get to your stone circle. You can send the horse back on his own: he knows the way home that one."

"Thank you," Daniel said, "For everything."

"It is we who owe you thanks. Farewell my friends."

Daniel helped Teal'c put a cloak around Vala and then started to make for the door. As they neared the curtained exit, Saurun and Brin appeared and spoke at the same. "Goodbye. Thank you for helping us become adults."

Vala smiled sleepily at them. "Take care both of you. You'll make some lucky girls very happy one day."

The boys both blushed: then grinned, waved and disappeared back towards the dancing.

Cameron came back from bidding farewell to the Elders. "All set?" He received grim nods from the team. "Okay let's get our girl home."

Outside the temperature was dropping but it was at least a clear sky. Cameron climbed onto the buckboard while Sam and Daniel gently lifted Vala onto the back of the cart and sat her between them. Teal'c walked to the front of the cart. "This method of transportation will be slow. I shall go on ahead and ask General Landry to make sure that medical help is on standby," he said.

"All right, Teal'c. That's probably a good idea," Cameron agreed, knowing that a mile run would be nothing to the seasoned Jaffa warrior and the quicker Vala got some medical treatment the better. Teal'c bowed and set off, rapidly disappearing ahead into the darkness.

Cameron glanced over his shoulder to make sure that the rest of the team were safely on board before tugging on the reins and getting the huge horse moving steadily along the track. Teal'c was right: it was going to be slow but it was better than trying to carry Vala all that way. He could hear Sam and Daniel talking to Vala, trying to keep her conscious.

"I'm tired," she said. "I want to sleep now."

"I'm afraid you can't," Sam said. "Not yet." She tried desperately to think of something to get her friend's attention. "So, Vala. Where are we going to go on our next shopping trip?"

Vala struggled to keep her eyes open and concentrate on what Sam was saying. "Bloomingdales, Sam. Please could we go to Bloomingdales? It looks wonderful…I'll have to borrow Daniel's credit card but he won't mind…We could spend a day there…going up and down the escalators…up and down…up and down…" She started to drift again.

Sam patted her face gently. "Vala. What are you going to buy at Bloomingdales?"

"Uh…going to buy?…Oh, I'm going to buy presents for everyone…Nice blue shirt for Daniel…he looks good in blue…lovely blue eyes…blue eyes, brown eyes, black eyes…did you know there's a plant on your planet called a Black-eyed Susie…cute little yellow flowers…my mother liked yellow flowers…mmm, nice smell…"

Vala started to drift again and Daniel touched her face and called her name: "Stay with me, Vala. Tell me what other presents you're going to buy. What about for Teal'c. You going to get him something?"

"Oh yes, Muscles. What shall I get him? A box set of something. I'll have to check what he's already got…He's got quite a collection already…Got to get him a present though to say thank you…got to thank everybody…They all gave me a chance…gave me a home...'cept now Daniel's leaving…No Daniel…Where's Daniel?"

Vala looked around wildly and started trying to get up. "Got to find Daniel…I heard him…The Doci's hurting him… Tomin…that you?...you've got to help me find Daniel."

Daniel said the exact same words he had said on Celestis, "I'm right here."

Vala stared at him not recognising him for a moment. He touched her face and reassured her: "It's me, Daniel. I'm right here, Vala, and I'm not going anywhere."

Vala looked at him with relief and then growing confusion. "What's going on, Daniel? Where are we?"

Daniel tried to keep the fear out of his voice as he answered her question. "We're heading back to the Stargate, Vala. We're going to get you home. Not long now." Can't this thing go any faster? Vala needs help…Oh, god. Please don't let it be a bad concussion. I can't lose her. She's my life.

Vala was mumbling to herself: "Home…home with Daniel."

She started to drift off again and this time it was Sam's turn to try to get her attention. "Hey, Vala. Look at me. Stay awake for a little bit longer."

"Hi Sam, where are we? What's happening?...Have you seen Daniel? There's something I want to tell him?...What was it I wanted to tell him, Sam?"

"I'm not sure, Vala," Sam replied, looking at Daniel over her friend's head. She was struck by the pain and fear she could see in his eyes. She felt for him: she was pretty sure that he'd decided to open his heart to Vala and now must be terrified that he was going to suffer another loss. Vala's got to be all right. I'm not sure Daniel would survive if she wasn't.

Vala was rambling, saying the same words over and over. "Never mind. I'll remember…I'll remember…" Then with a sudden flash of lucidity, she grabbed Sam's hand and said, "I was going to tell him how special he is…Does he know how special he is, Sam?...He trusted me…trusted me…never been trusted before…Does he know how grateful I am…That I'll always love him for that…Did I tell him?"

Sam was still watching Daniel's face as she replied, "I think he knows, Vala. I think he knows."

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General Landry waited impatiently at the foot of the ramp for SG-1 to return through the Stargate. He had spent the last few days with an anxious knot in his stomach despite Teal'c's reports that all was well on the mission and that Vala had needed the Goa'uld healing device to heal one of the local children. Worry was not something he usually gave into, knowing that it did no-one any good, but ever since Vala had come to see him in his office he had been haunted by the feeling she was in danger.

Now as he waited, with Teal'c and the medical team by his side, he hoped that Vala's condition had not deteriorated since Teal'c had left her with the rest of the team and that his daughter could utilise her considerable medical skill to make Vala well. Despite the young woman's sometimes outrageous behaviour and barely contained lack of discipline, he had grown fond of her. Heaven knows she'd earned all of their respect and all of their gratitude for her part in their victory over the Ori.

The chevrons glowed at last and an alarm sounded. The wormhole sprang into life and Walter's voice came over the PA system: "Sir. It's SG-1's IDC."

"Open the iris," General Landry barked and, a second later, the overlapping titanium blades of the defensive barrier swung back out of sight, allowing the incoming travellers access to the base.

A moment later, Sam stepped out of the event horizon, swiftly followed by Cameron and Daniel who were carrying a barely conscious Vala between them. They hurried down the ramp with their precious burden and laid her on the gurney that Carolyn Lam had waiting.

Her team quickly pushed their patient from the room and down the corridor towards the infirmary. Daniel was hot on their heels. Landry could see from his face that it would be pointless to try and get the man to stay for a debriefing. Trusting that Vala was in good hands, he led the rest of the team up to the briefing room and listened as they filled him in on the mission.

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When Vala woke up, she found she was lying in the infirmary and the lighting was dimmed indicating that it was some time during the night. Vala glanced around the room, her eyes finally coming to rest on the figure sleeping beside her. Daniel. He had pushed two chairs together to create a make-shift bed and his head was propped up on a scrunched up infirmary pillow.

"Welcome back, Vala," Dr. Lam's voice said. "You had us worried for a bit." The doctor came closer and was about to start checking on Vala when she noticed Daniel. "Oh thank goodness. He's getting some sleep at last."

She turned back to her patient: checking her pulse, shining a light into each eye and holding up a finger for Vala's eyes to follow. "Everything seems fine. How are you feeling?"

"A bit weird but better I think. I don't remember getting back to the SGC. How long have I been unconscious?"

"Eighteen hours. You had a fairly severe concussion. The first few hours were a bit worrying. There was some swelling around your brain but at the last scan it was lessening."

Dr. Lam made a few notes on her clipboard. "I want to keep you here under observation for another twenty-four hours to make sure all your symptoms have disappeared…Then no strenuous activities for another week…Everyone will be glad to know you're okay. They've all been in and out." She nodded at Daniel as she said, "He never left your side…Even when I ordered him to go and get some sleep."

As Vala regarded Daniel, her face was covered with a soft expression that Carolyn was pretty sure no-one had ever seen there before. The usually no-nonsense woman remarked quietly, "You're very lucky, Vala."

Vala turned to look at her, tears shining at the edge of her eyes. "I know."

Carolyn patted her arm. "He's lucky too…I'm glad you're okay. I'll let General Landry, and the rest of SG-1, know that you're conscious but I'll wait until it's a more humane hour. They all need some sleep…especially Daniel."

Vala nodded and went back to watching the man beside her. As she gazed at him, a feeling of gratitude welled up almost overpowering her with its strength. She made a vow to herself that she would never take him for granted. I promise I'll look after him, she whispered out loud to whatever cosmic force had given her this precious gift.

Sometime later, Daniel stirred and stretched. He opened sleepy eyes and turned towards Vala: a smile breaking across his face when he realised she was looking at him. "You're awake!"

"Yes, I'm back in the land of the living…sorry if I gave everyone a scare. Dr. Lam tells me she was a bit worried for the first few hours."

Daniel ran his fingers through his hair. "You scared the hell out of me!"

Vala chewed on her lip before saying, "She also said you'd stayed with me the whole time."

Daniel just nodded, unable to trust his voice for a minute. Abruptly he stood up, pushed back one of the chairs and crossed to her bedside. He sat down beside her and gently pulled her into his arms. "I thought I was going to lose you."

Vala could feel him trembling and held him tight to reassure him that she really was better. It felt strange to her to be the one offering comfort, strength: that had always been Daniel's job. He muttered something into her hair.

"What did you say?" she asked, pulling away from him slightly so she could hear him better.

"I really don't think I can do this anymore."

Vala flinched. What was 'this'? Was it her? Was he slamming the door shut on their newly emerging relationship? "What do you mean, Daniel? Can't do what?"

He placed a hand on her cheek, saying, "Going on dangerous missions, watching you getting injured, putting your life in danger…When we were on Celestis, I came to realise that you were precious to me, Vala. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you…I think that's why I started to shut you out. I thought if I kept you at arm's length, it wouldn't be so painful if anything happened to you but it didn't work."

A huge smile lit up Vala's face, relief clearly visible. "You still think we might have a chance to belong together?" She was recalling his words in the cavern yesterday…or was it the day before? "You haven't changed your mind?"

Daniel shook his head. It was time to tell her how he felt. He said softly, "I think it's time we began that long talk we were going to have…if you feel well enough?"

"I feel fine, Daniel." Vala chewed her lip again. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I think I need to tell you how I feel," he said, nervously clearing his throat. "It's just…if I open up, tell you the truth about everything…will you…be honest with me…promise not to…"

"…back away from my feelings?" Vala ventured and, as Daniel nodded, she whispered, "I promise."

Daniel took her hand in his. "You know I told you I'd had a long chat with Solon, well what I didn't get the chance to say was that I also saw Shifu."

"You did? Oh, I'm so pleased for you. That must have made you happy."

Daniel smiled and nodded. "It was good to see him again after all this time. He told me I needed to think about following a new path…and he also said something that, I think in my heart I already knew: that I should share my journey with someone."

Vala didn't dare say a word but held her breath as Daniel carried on speaking: "I would really like that person to be you. If I decide to move on from the SGC, I want to include you in that decision and maybe find a path we can take together."

"I'd like that," Vala said softly to him. "I'd like to share your journey."

"Good." Daniel's smile grew into a grin as he went on: "You drive me crazy, Vala. You have an outrageous way of looking at the world and you just don't care what anybody thinks! I admit I do care what people think but maybe I could work on that."

Vala shook her head. "It's not completely true that I don't care…I do care what you think, Daniel…I'll try not to be so…outrageous," she offered, borrowing his word, "but I can't promise to completely change who I am, darling!"

"I don't want you to change who you are, Vala. You're smart and you're beautiful." Daniel was astounded to see Vala blush at his words. "You're also the person I most like to spend time with…even when I say I don't. You're my best friend," he added, sounding surprised himself at this admission.

Vala squeezed his hands. "Thank you. You don't know what that means coming from you. Your kindness amazes me, Daniel. You're so smart and you're so passionate about the world. I just love being near you."

Now it was Daniel who found himself blushing. He smiled almost shyly at her and then his face grew serious. "I know that over the last few months, even the last few days, we've grown a lot closer but can I…can I tell you what's been holding me back from admitting how serious my feelings were?" Vala nodded.

"I was worried that you'd never be able to be open with me…the few times you've revealed anything about your past or your feelings, you always went back on it. I never knew where I stood."

Vala looked away from him. "Sorry…I was scared, I guess. Scared that if you really knew me, you'd decide you didn't like me after all…I was worried I couldn't live up to your high standards...so it was easier to accept I couldn't and leave you thinking the worst of me and my past."

It was Daniel's turn to apologise. He turned her face back towards him and said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel like that…I guess I was scared that I wasn't exciting enough for you; that I couldn't compete with the excitement of your old life and you'd get bored and end up leaving."

Vala went to speak but Daniel said, "I wouldn't blame you…getting bored I mean…I know I get obsessed by my work; I forget time. I'll probably forget dates and anniversaries but if you'll give me a chance, I promise I'll always make time for you. I'll always be there when you need me…I love you."

Vala blinked back tears. She gulped then whispered, "I think I've loved you since the first time I saw you. You've trusted me when no-one else dared to…You're not like anyone else I've ever known: you look at the world with eyes that expect people to be more than they thought they could ever be…I'm still really scared I won't live up to your expectations…but I do love you, Daniel."

Daniel's hand caressed her face again. "Take a chance on me?" he asked.

Vala nodded. "If you'll take a chance on me," she whispered.

Daniel leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. His mouth on hers was gentle at first and then, as she responded, their kisses became more passionate. When they finally broke apart, Daniel pulled Vala into a loving embrace, and repeated the words that had been so hard to say and now came so easily, "I love you."

They held each other tight for a few minutes and then pulled apart. Daniel tried to hide a yawn but failed. Vala touched his face, saying, "You need to get some sleep, darling…You'll be no use to me otherwise!" Her tone was playful.

Daniel rolled his eyes. "Oh really. And just what do you want to do with me?"

Vala looked particularly wicked as she said, "I really don't think I should say. This is after all a rather public place." She nodded her head towards the doorway where Cameron, Sam and Teal'c could just be seen coming down the corridor towards them.

Daniel flushed for the second time that morning. "We'll continue this conversation later," he said as he hopped off the bed and sat back on a chair.

"Spoil sport!" Vala laughed at him.

Sam was first through the door. "Vala! How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," she responded with a grin. "Thanks to all of you getting me safely home."

"It is good to see you looking well, Vala Mal Doran," Teal'c said, bowing to her.

"Thanks, Muscles."

Cameron said, "You had us all worried but Dr. Lam says if you take it easy for a few days you could be back on light duties by the end of the week."

Vala made a face. "She said I'd got to stay in here for another twenty-four hours…I'm going to get so bored."

"Well, we'll take it in turns to keep you company," Sam said. "We've got to plan our trip to Bloomingdales, remember?"

"Oh goody, shopping!" Vala said. "Can I borrow your credit card, Daniel?"

Daniel groaned then broke into another enormous yawn. Cameron regarded the archaeologist sternly. "Jackson, you look like hell. Go and get some sleep."

Daniel stood up slowly and said, "I think I will…if that's okay with you Vala?"

She looked at him with undisguised love on her face and held out her hand to him. "Yes, go and get some rest. I'm not going anywhere."

Daniel took her hand in his, not caring that everyone was watching them. "You do exactly what Dr. Lam tells you. I want you mobile by tomorrow night."

"And why's that?" Vala asked cheekily.

"I thought I might take you out for dinner."

Vala pouted. "No dancing?...or culminations?" she suggested, referring to their first ever non-date and knowing Daniel would remember their brief conversation even though it was nearly a year ago.

Daniel kissed her lightly then walked past the others, ignoring their expressions which ranged from amused through shocked through pleased. He called back over his shoulder to her, "Light duties, Vala, means no strenuous exercise. Maybe on our next date we could add dancing."

"And culminations, I hope."

As Daniel reached the door, he turned and grinned at her, "Maybe. If you play your cards right!"

He made it through the opening just before the flying pillow hit the door.

A/N I finished this story a couple of years ago but it's not been published before. It's my first attempt at a novella and took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to write! Feedback really appreciated. Hope you enjoyed reading it.