Series: Idioms – A series of stand-alone stories based off random idioms

A/N: All definitions can be found in From the Horse's Mouth by John Ayto.

Disclaimer: Own Stargate? Only in my dreams, darlings.

Idiom: siren song: the appeal of something that is also considered to be harmful or dangerous.

Answering the Siren's Call

It was late and Daniel was walking to his quarters when he suddenly heard someone singing. He paused for a moment and listened to the beautiful, soulful sound. The melody was haunting and the words were sung in Goa'uld. He allowed it to wash over him for another moment before he felt himself being drawn toward the voice. He didn't seem to have control over his body as he stopped in front of Vala's quarters. Her door was slightly ajar and he leant against the frame, not willing to interrupt but unable to walk away. She was sitting in her bed with her back to him, listening to what appeared to be an old, somewhat worn music box. He listened as her voice wove seamlessly with the tune as if the two were one. His mind automatically translated the words even as he continued to listen with his heart. The lyrics were sad, lamenting over about unrequited love and the agonising choice between fight and flight. Daniel felt his heart clench as he wondered just who was the object of her thoughts, the object of her heart. Did she even realise what she was revealing through her song? He didn't believe so, otherwise he very much doubted she would be doing it so openly.

She turned her head just a bit and Daniel could see a single tear falling down her cheek. Again, he felt himself being drawn forward, this time straight into the room. He knew he should leave even as he closed the door softly behind him, but he couldn't make his body comply. He stood directly behind her as she finished her song, wiped away a tear, and closed the music box with great care. It was then Daniel noticed the half-packed duffel at her feet and his heart tightened once more. Yet he still couldn't bring himself to say a word. She sat there for a moment before suddenly stiffening and turning in his direction, looking him straight in the eye and silently asking just how long he'd been there. Holding her gaze, he let her know he'd been there long enough to hear her heart.

Purposely ignoring the bag and what it represented, Daniel made his way to kneel before her, never breaking eye contact.

"Who?" he asked quietly. His heard jumped and filled with hope when she looked away. Placing a gentle hand to her chin, he turned her face him once more. "Who, Vala?"

Vala closed her eyes for a long moment before taking a deep breath and facing him again. "You."

A slow smile crept over his face as he took hers in his hands and kissed her gently. Pulling away, he saw her eyes were filled with fresh tears and he wiped away an errant one.

"You're wrong, Vala. It's not unrequited. I do love you."

"I love you, too, my Daniel."

"I know, sweetheart." He pulled her to him for another kiss, this one more fervent, happy that he'd answered his Siren's call.

The End