Okay, so I was dared by a friend to write a Christmas story and here it is. I don't actually celebrate the holiday so I may get some things wrong. If I do, feel free to call me on it and I'll fix it.

I left Teal'c out because I just couldn't figure out where to fit him, unfortunately. Anyway, I've got established J/S and C/C with a whole lot of D/V (of course).

It takes place sometime after "Ark of Truth".

I'll try to upload a chapter every day. Hope you like it!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my imagination.

Spoiler Warning: A few for seasons 9 & 10 but nothing major.

Chapter 1

22 December

"Hey guys." Cam said as he took a seat at the unofficial commissary table of SG-1. Daniel and Vala spared him a look and short greeting before going back to whatever argument they'd been having.

"Hey Cam." Sam said as she laughed and rolled her eyes at the bickering couple beside her.

"What are they fighting about now?" he ventured to ask.

"From what I can gather, it has something to do with the origin of mistletoe."

"Oh, boy." Cam groaned.

"Cameron," Vala turned toward him. "Will you please explain the Tau'ri purpose of mistletoe?"

"Uh, well, uh..." Great, now he was beginning to sound like Jackson. "The tradition says that anyone caught under it has to be kissed."

"Ha! I told you." Vala smirked and Daniel sighed.

"I know that, Vala. But I'm trying to explain the ancient ritual behind the plant. It dates back to the early pagans and was used-"

"Oh, Daniel." It was Vala's turn to sigh. "Can't you ever just find the romance in anything?"

"Romance? Vala, the plant is a parasite. Where's the romance in that?"

Vala sighed again and Cameron shook his head. For someone so smart, Jackson could be a real dolt. He decided it was time to put an end to this argument.

"Okay, enough." When he had everyone's attention, he continued. "On a somewhat related topic, I have something to ask you guys. I know it's short notice, what with Christmas being only a few days away, but hear me out. This is the first Christmas since I took over SG-1 that we've been given the time off and my mother asked me to invite the whole team home. What do you say? I know it would mean a lot to my mom."

"Ooh!" Vala squealed. "I've always wanted to celebrate your Tau'ri Christmas. And I would love to see your parents again."

"Great." Cam smiled at Vala. He knew he could always count on her exuberance. "Mom would love to see you, too. Sam?"

"Well, Mark is visiting his in-laws this year, so I guess I can make it. Is it all right if I invite someone along?"

Cam tried to hold in his groan but he had a bad feeling he knew exactly who she was talking about. This could get uncomfortable.

"Um, yeah, no problem." He saw Sam smirk at his unease. Yup, this was definitely going to get uncomfortable. "What about you, Jackson?"

"Sorry, but I was planning to spend time catching up on my translations. I'll have the entire library to myself and I want to take advantage of it." Jackson looked at his watch and quickly stood. "In fact, I have to get back to work now. SG-5 is waiting for one of those translations."

He was gone before anyone could argue. Well, two out of three wasn't bad, Cam thought. Too bad Teal'c was off-world at a Jaffa council for the next few weeks. He knew his mother would have gotten a real kick out of meeting "Murray".

Looking over to Vala, he noticed she'd lost some of her earlier excitement. She must have noticed his regard because she suddenly looked up and pasted on her mega-watt smile.

"I think I'll go see what Bill is up to." she said, standing. "I do so enjoy watching him try to figure out which piece of Goa'uld technology does what." She flounced out the door looking as if she hadn't a care in the universe but Cam knew better. He also knew that Vala would do everything possible to convince the reluctant archaeologist to join them. Cam grinned as he added Jackson to his list of invites. His mama would be proud.

()()()()

"Come on, Daniel." Vala pleaded as she roamed his office later that night, picking things up and setting them down as she went. "It's Christmas and, according to my research, it's a time to be spent with the people you most care about. Not in some stuffy library all alone."

"I happen to enjoy spending time in "stuffy" libraries all by myself." He sounded like a petulant child, never taking his gaze from his translation.

"I know, darling. And that's why I love you." She was so caught up in her argument, she didn't even notice as his head finally shot up. Nor did she take in the questioning look in his eyes. She sighed heavily and sat on the extra stool. "But this is my first Christmas on your planet and I want to spend it with all of the people I care about." She finally noticed his intent gaze and squirmed under the stare. What had she said to cause such a look?

"Okay." he said after a while. "I'll go. For you."

She squealed and jumped into his arms, planting a quick kiss on his lips. She got down before she could be tempted to turn it into anything more, though. She definitely didn't want him to rethink his agreement.

"Thank you, darling. You won't regret this." With that, she swept out of the office but not before hearing Daniel say something that sounded like, "I'm sure I won't." Shrugging it off, she made her way to her quarters. She didn't have time to analyse Dr. Daniel Jackson. She had packing to do!

R&R does not mean read and run. Please review!