Relationship: Daniel Jackson/Vala Mal Doran

Taking You With Me

Written by Ghrelt
Rating: Teen and up

Vala has come to the realisation that Daniel will never have feelings for her. Moving on is easier said than done, especially if Daniel has anything to say on it.

My notes:

I love how anti-climatic Vala’s ‘realization’ that Daniel will never want to be with her is. She doesn’t flee or do something dramatic, she just asks Cam to give her some space from Daniel at the SGC so she can try to get over him. That, of course, isn’t sustainable long-term, and Vala has noti... Read more

On the First Day

Written by Hariboo
Rating: General audiences

The twelve days of Christmas are generally typified by two people giving and receiving certain gifts to each other. Sometimes not even on purpose.

My notes:

The sexual tension in this story is bonkers. They capture both Daniel and Vala’s personalities and the flirty, cautious, defensive little dynamic between them so well. I checked if there was a sequel about Daniel and Vala’s week off at his place—because, honestly, I need that in my life—but it sadly does not... Read more

Foolish Hopes

Written by Kehwie
Rating: Teen and up

Vala Mal Doran had always gone out of her way to avoid feeling like a fool. And she knew that hope was the most foolish thing of all. But a certain archaeologist made her hope again. When she thought he dashed those hopes, she attempted to rebuild her armor-with very little success.

My notes:

The premise is definitely a bit contrived, but that doesn’t end up mattering because this is so well written. The character analysis is spot on and the way Daniel reflects on their relationship and the individual ways they sabotage themselves is insightfully accurate. This is my favourite quote because it just hits th... Read more

One Step at a Time

Written by besully
Rating: Teen and up

A series of scenes starting immediately after 10.07 Counterstrike and ending after 10.20 Unending, detailing the progression of Daniel and Vala’s relationship.

All Vala wanted was to conquer the challenge Daniel had unwittingly presented. Once she had her victory, she’d drop it and Daniel wasn’t sure he could survive that.

My notes:

Told from Daniel’s perspective, a small behind the scenes look at Daniel and Vala’s relationship as it evolved after Counterstrike onward. I love the introspective yet cautious way Daniel navigates his need to be around Vala without challenging his comfort zone or confronting his feelings too directly. He’... Read more

Overture in Slow Motion

Written by L_C
Rating: Not rated

Overture – noun
1) an opening or initiating move toward negotiation, a new relationship.

Slow motion – adjective
2) moving or proceeding at a slow rate.

Injuries sustained during his trip to Atlantis remind Daniel that “life is short”.

Incomplete

My notes:

Love this one. It really immerses you in the story and the POVs feel very realistic. It’ll probably never be finished, sadly, but if you read it as a prelude more than a full deep dive then it’s satisfying enough.

Rediscovering Odysseus

Written by saucy-kate
Rating: Teen and up

The memories still didn’t quite feel like hers – like she was watching a film of another person’s life, knowing how they felt and why they felt it, but never quite actually living it. Spoilers for all of SG-1, AU as of the end of S4 of SGA.

My notes:

I love this AU so hard. I love the idea of SG-1 following Daniel to Atlantis, and Sam and Vala starting to remember their years on the Odyssey because of the naquadah in their blood. The way Vala responds to all of this new insight into her life with Daniel is quite nuanced and in character, and how she eventually confronts... Read more

The Many Paths of Daniel Jackson

Written by evrymeeveryyou
Rating: Teen and up

Every possibility, every choice I had ever made, even choices I hadn’t, led to an entirely different life until I could no longer tell reality from its alternates.

My notes:

Daniel touches a mysterious crystal (which is just so Daniel) and starts experiencing various alternate realities and timelines his life might take. Not being able to discern what’s real as he’s living each moment, it sends him spiralling gradually into madness as SG-1 (plus Jack) tries desperately to save him. ... Read more