Reflections | D. Jackson

prologue [july 14th, 1942]

"WHAT'S YOUR NAME?" I question softly, looking over at the man beside me.

We stand side by side in line for food, today. He stands calmly just as every other day before, making pleasant conversations with the men behind us. Not until today have we spoken, but I've been privvy to his gaze almost every day. His crystal blue eyes, when away from other recruits, train sheepishly on me.

He is not the only one to stare, but he is one of few to do so with respect of my character. I admire his allegiance to the bare minimum.

Its caused a peak in my interest.

"Excuse me?" He whips his head up and in my directions, seemingly surprised by my engagement.

All those surrounding us pause in their conversations, attention stolen by a woman launching conversation with one of them. They gorge themselves in their delight of spotting a freak at the circus, feasting on the entertainment my speaking brings them.

"I asked for your name." I smile, trying to ignore the leering bystanders.

The respectable dirty blonde's pupils dilate, and he looks deep into my eyes. The corners of his lips upturn.

"Daniel Jackson."

His voice rings of southern charm, and the familiar taste of his name bouncing off of his lips is found as swoon-worthy. Daniel.

"What's yours?" He finishes, looking from my eyes down to my velvet brown heels and back.

I blush at his wandering eyes, and not under the expectation you would believe. His eyes do not scrutinize my breasts nor my nether region, instead simply once overing my stature. He evaluates the way I hold myself, and the white knuckle of my fingers gripping my tray.

"Auden Caddel." I grin, extending my hand out to him.

Disregarding our audience, Daniel accepts my hand. He turns my palm downwards, however, and plants a sweet kiss among its top. I let my lips part slightly, taken aback by his unrelenting eye contact throughout the exchange.

Wolf whistles are heard, but in that moment, Daniel is the only one in the room with me.  Boy, did he know how to make a lasting impression. Yet another blush creeps up my neck and dusts my cheeks.

"So you're part of the WCMB?" He questions, following me as I make my way up the line.

I nod towards the server that places a cup of soup on my tray in thanks, before turning my attention back to Daniel.

"Mhm, they nabbed me straight from the nursin' program back in Manhattan."

He raises his eyebrows and nods, accepting the cup of water handed to him by another server. For just a few seconds, we progress through the line in silence. I don't look at him, rather my tray, with a bright red coat across my face. The men around us whisper among themselves, a few snickering as they nudge Daniel's arm aggressively. Their innocent jabs remind me of my brothers, and I smile to myself.

"You don't seem nervous." He grins, shoving who I assume to be one of his friends off of him.

I blow air out of my nose and shrug, lips remaining upturned. Looking over at him, he stares with interest towards me. He wants to know me.

"Oh, Mr. Jackson." I roll my eyes, slowly stepping backwards and away from him as I reach the end of the line. "I just take comfort in the fact they's higher ups cherry picked me for a reason. Someone up there has faith in me."