Special Moments
By
Gemsong

A/N: This is set in the Reversal of Fortune Universe. Dedicated to my best friend/brother Tark.
Category: Angst, Smarm
Summary: Old memories may way for new

Jonathan Charles O’Neill Jackson kicked the chair in his room. He was frustrated. All his plans were going up in smoke and he was running out of time. He kicked the chair again. Every attempt failed. His father always seemed to have an excuse and it had already gone beyond irritating. Was it so much to ask?

He felt the presence in his room before he turned around. “Uncle Skar’ra!” he cried pleased.

The ascended Abydonian was sitting on the foot of Jack’s bed as he ran up. He couldn’t hug him but he could get as close as he could to the energy. Sometimes it almost felt like a hug.

“Hello Jack,” Skar’ra said with a wide smile. “It is good to see you again.”

“It did not work,” Jack said abruptly. “Daddy came home late again so Julia had to leave.”

“I know,” Skar’ra said. “It is because Julia stays with you when he has to work or go off world.”

“But he likes her and she likes him,” Jack protested. “She is really pretty and smart and she does not mind when he talks for hours about rocks. And she is a doctor and she knows many things. Even things Janet does not know and she has helped with many things they have brought from other worlds and….”

Skar’ra quickly put up a hand to stem the flow of chatter. “You must be patient, Jack,” his ‘uncle’ said.

“Is it because of Mommy?” Jack asked quietly.

“It is sometimes difficult to let go of a love when part of it remains close by,” Skar’ra said carefully.

“But Mommy likes her,” Jack protested. “She said so.”

Skar’ra leaned forward a little. “It is not up to Shaure, or you to make your father happy,” he said intently. “Only your father can find his own happiness.”

“But tomorrow is Father’s Day,” Jack said. “It will be his first one. I wanted him to have something very special.”

“He has something, Jack,” Skar’ra said smiling. “You will see.” With that, his uncle faded from sight and Jack walked over to kick the chair again.

The next morning, Daniel didn’t want to wake up. He ached in places he didn’t even know could ache. Was he really that out of shape. The dig on P2Y-569 had been a treasure trove of discovery. He had been torn between the opportunity of a lifetime and the care and protection of his son.

Jack continued to exhibit the occasional odd ability and would always be clingy when Daniel went off world for any length of time. Jack had volunteered Julia to stay with him when Daniel was going to be gone over night. Daniel was initially concerned until Shaure had assured him they would be watching over him as well.

Julia had gone white the first time Shaure appeared to her. Being confronted by the ascended form of Daniel’s dead wife and Jack’s spiritual mother almost had the poor woman fainting. But she didn’t faint. She pulled her wits together and dove into the situation head first. Over the months the two developed an odd sort of friendship. It was helpful to Julia. A sort of care and feeding manual for their little ancient wannabe.

Julia was the godsend he had needed. Daniel knew he could trust her to deal with Jack. She was likeable and intelligent. She was also easy on the eyes. Jack was a little too obvious in his attempts to hook the two of them up. He smiled. It was amusing to watch. Julia wasn’t fooled either. Circumventing Jack’s plans was becoming a game he and Julia loved to play.

Daniel heard the sound of his bedroom door opening. He opened his eyes and saw the door opening by itself. Jack was carrying a tray, walking very carefully. The smell of hot fresh coffee hit his nose and he pushed himself to a sitting position.

“What’s this?” Daniel asked smiling at his son.

Jack returned the smile tentatively once the tray was settled safely on Daniel’s lap. “Happy Father’s Day,” he said.

Daniel looked down at the tray. There was a large mug of steaming coffee, a couple slices of toast and a glass of orange juice. The Sunday paper was tucked to the side. He found himself surprised. He had quite honestly forgotten the date. And now he understood why Janet and Julia had both insisted that he be back and take a break from the dig.

He took a sip of the coffee and almost groaned in pure pleasure. It was a Panamanian blend he had tried once and liked. The coffee off world could barely aspire to the name. This was the real thing in all it’s glory. He glanced at Jack, noting the relief in his eyes as well as the tiny lines of strain. Jack had used his power to pull this off. From grinding the beans and getting things from the cupboard. There were some things Jack couldn’t reach, like the bag of coffee beans and the grinder Daniel kept on a top shelf.

Normally Daniel would say something about pushing himself. But he understood why. Jack wanted to give him a gift. He smiled at his son. He set the cup on the nightstand and pushed the tray to the side of the bed before opening his arms to Jack.

The little boy clambered onto the bed and into Daniel’s arms for a long hug. Daniel stroked the dark hair smiling.

“I wanted to give you something special,” Jack said. “I remember Father’s Days from before. I wanted to give you a gift.”

“I already have the best gift, Jack,” Daniel said.

“You do?”

“I got you,” Daniel said.

Jack was silent a moment. This was what Skar’ra had meant. “I love you, daddy.”

“I love you too, son.”

Fini