Traveling again

[dr_daniel_jackson]

Daniel finished out the semester at the university and informed them, with some regret evident, that he would not be returning for summer sessions and probably not in the fall either. He was happy with his decision because he wanted time with Methos. He'd taught for a year but the whole thing with Brian had bothered him a lot and he didn't really feel safe out in the open so to speak; not that he was going to tell that to his husband, though. He didn't want Methos to worry about him.

He left campus and headed to the coffee shop/bookstore that his husband was leaving in the capable hands of his store manager until they returned to Spain. Leaving the things from his office inside the car, Daniel stepped out and headed into the store, searching for his husband behind the counter. The place was incredibly busy, as usual. Daniel's smiled slipped a little. He hoped he wasn't being selfish by taking Methos away from this... maybe he should have given this more thought....

Comments

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

They walked around the town, in the direction of the Parthenon. It was crowded, but not claustrophobically so. There were ancient buildings intermingled with new, a mosaic of time periods melding together.

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

Daniel looked at it all with a child-like wonder and made his husband stop several times so that he could see even more whenever they happened upon the ancient buildings. when they finally reached the Parthenon, the younger mortal was speechless.

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

Methos spent about as much time, if not more, watching Daniel and the wonder apparent in his eyes. It made him start to see everything with new eyes himself. When they reached the Parthenon they followed behind the crowd to get closer.

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

As they got closer, Daniel's hand tightened in Methos' hand as he looked around, taking in everything that he could. He knew in the days and weeks to come, he'd want to come back here again.

"The temple of Athena," he said softly, one hand reaching out to barely brush at a nearby column. "Completed in 437 BC." He looked at his husband. "Were you here then?"

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

"I was..." he said, as he looked up at the columns, his eyes looking off as he remembered, "All these bare marble structures... the marbles statues, all of it. They were all painted with bright hues of reds, blues, and yellows...."

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

"I can almost imagine how that must have looked, so new and perfect." He followed the crowd around, taking in everything he saw with such wonder and delight. "You know, when we get back to the hotel, I'm going to want to hear more about what it was like back then... if that's okay..."

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

He squeezed Daniel's hand pulling him closer as they walked, "I'd be happy to, love."

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

They spent a couple of hours just touring the complex, Daniel having to touch everything it seemed as they moved about the ruins. The way he did touch each monument or column was done with a reverence he probably did not even realize he was displaying but he was in awe and he could not tear himself away from any of it until he realized how quiet it was becoming around them. He looked to find his husband watching him and gave him a sheepish look.

"I... I get lose in my own thoughts some times. I'm sorry if we've stayed too long..."

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

Methos smiled softly, a hand reaching out to cup the side of Daniel's face, "There's no need to apologize. You wanted to see it. And I wanted to see you see it..."

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

Daniel smiled softly and leaned in, kissing his husband softly and a little longer than normal before pulling back, chuckling at his growling stomach.

"Perhaps we should go grab something to eat before we head back to the hotel?"

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

He laughed when he heard Daniel's growling stomach,"Probably a good idea."

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

Daniel grinned and followed him out of the Parthenon and back into the semi-busy streets once more. With less people around, Daniel spoke quietly.

"Did you have anything to do with the building of it? I mean, were you an artist or a designer or anything?"

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

Methos shook his head, "No, I was too busy being a philosopher and hanging out with the likes of Socrates."

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

"Was he a good teacher?" Daniel asked softly. "I mean, I've only ever read what he taught but I'm sure it's nothing compared to actually being able to hear the man in person and be able to debate with him and such."

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

"He was an excellent teacher. And funny. Taught me a lot on not just philosophy but he was a bit of a smart ass himself." he laughed, fondly.

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

Daniel chuckled softly at that.

"How long did you stay in Greece? Were you here at his death?"

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

"I was in Greece for 30 years at that time, but I returned on several occasions. I was in Greece at the time of his death, but I wasn't witness to it." he lowered his eyes in sadness.

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

Daniel stopped and pulled Methos closer, kissing his husband softly, brushing a hand down the side of his face.

"I'm sorry..."

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

"He wasn't the first, nor the last that died well before his time..." he wrapped his arms around Daniel, resting his forehead against Daniel's.

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

"I know, my love. Would you tell me more about him over dinner?" He asked, softly, kissing his husband gently.

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

"Yes, of course. I'd be happy to." he returned the kiss.

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

Daniel smiled and brushed a lock of hair from Methos' face before he took his husband's hand and they began to walk once more.

"Where shall we eat? Any suggestions?"

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

"None of the tourist traps." he said, leading Daniel down the street, "I know the perfect little place, out of the way. Delicious Greek dishes.."

[dr-dmjacksonsg1.livejournal.com]

"Lead on then, my love. I trust your judgment on things like this." Daniel followed at his husband's side, clinging to Methos' arm, just enjoying being alone with him again. "So, when was the first time you came to Greece?"

[really-oldguy.livejournal.com]

"1000 BC. In Olympia. Won a foot race. That was where that's sculpture came from..." he said, as he took them down several less crowded streets.