NOTE that this takes place in the middle of "Second Chances" and then turns in a different direction.

Note 2: I've had the vagues idea for this floating around in my head since before the series finished. I finally decided how to write it.

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Then he did the only thing he could think of to do: he started talking. "Do you remember the first time we kissed? Of course you do. You were so pissed. You started yelling at me. How could I expect you to blow me up? Paul wouldn't order the ship to fire on me and Teal'c until you had given the go-ahead. You threw the wine glass at me, you remember? Full of wine. You put a picture over the stain later. Then you started yelling at me about how it was my fault that you'd have a big red stain on your wall. Then I don't even remember what you said, but I remember walking over to you, grabbing your shoulders and kissing you. And you were so shocked you didn't even kiss me back. I was so certain that I had ruined our friendship. By the time you reacted I was almost out the door. I remember how you grabbed me, and spun me around. I didn't think you were that strong; and then you kissed me and I was so happy…we made love that night, too. That—that, Daniel, was beautiful. You with dark eyes, laid out on your bed under me, moaning and begging in languages I can't even begin to name. Touching you, everywhere, I loved it. I loved how you reacted to me. You're so sensitive, Daniel. And the way you kissed me, all tongue and passion…" Jack leaned his head back against the door. "That was art and beauty; that was perfection. Everywhere everyone's looking for perfect, and there I had it, right under my hands. That day I realized I loved you and that night I showed you how much.

"Daniel, I…I screwed up monumentally. I can't even begin to describe. You know I'm not good with words, and I'm not asking for you to forgive me. I just want another chance. One more chance to love you. Because I do, so much.

"I love you, Daniel. Please, let me have one more chance," Jack finished. It wasn't until something wet soaked into his shirt that he realized he was crying.

There was silence in the apartment. Jack smiled bitterly. Of course, when he decided to pour out his heart, nobody would be listening. It had to be like that.

Then he heard the click of the lock.

Jack stood and turned, watching the bedroom door inch open, hope growing in his chest. Daniel stood, lit by the living room lamp. His eyes were cold and broken, and he was so, so pale. Jack ached, a physical pain piercing through him at the knowledge that he had made Daniel like that. Jack felt another tear soak through his shirt.

Daniel's voice was hoarse as he whispered two words: "Go home."

The bedroom door closed with a loud, final click.

Jack heard a roaring in his ears, and found himself on hands and knees, tears falling thickly and soundlessly onto the carpet. He knew with a certainty he'd never felt before that he'd lost Daniel. Forever.