A sketchbook - SG-1

[icarus]

I seem to be in too dark a mood for the next part of The Walls of Jericho. So, here's a little tidbit. It's set very early in the show.


A Solid Foundation
by Icarus


"What is there between you and Daniel?"

Carter's deep blue eyes were full of concern, and the question seemed odd and out of place in the noisy sports bar. But no one was listening here. Her beer was virtually untouched, while Jack studied the ring of foam clinging to the bottom of his glass. He set it down with a clunk on the table.

He sighed into his hands, rubbed his temples, and decided, All right. If Daniel won't tell her. "I was at the end of the line."

He huffed a breath. It was hard to continue.

"I know about... Charlie," she prompted, sparing him that part. About his son. "And the mission to Abydos." The slight crack in her voice told him she knew the real mission. The bomb, and Jack not coming back.

He nodded. "Yeah."

After a pause to gather his thoughts, Jack finally said, "Daniel asked me why. On Abydos.

"When I told him... he didn't argue. He didn't tell me I shouldn't, or that it was wrong or any of that shit. Nothing about how life'll get better, blah, blah, blah." Jack wrinkled his nose. "He just accepted I was... that I wanted out. He never questioned my right to decide. Not once." Jack studied the glass in his hands. "He just insisted I didn't have the right to take everyone else with me.

"And he was right." Jack pulled a few bills out of his wallet and tossed them on the table. They stuck to a damp ring left by the glass. He stood and slung his jacket over his shoulders, saying as he adjusted his sleeves, "I'm a soldier. My life's been saved a lotta times." He met her eyes. "But there aren't many people you can trust to let you die."

Jack turned and waved a little as he left, giving her an ironic smile. "See ya around, Carter."



ETA: Edited with wildernessguru's changes.

Comments

[lerah99.livejournal.com]

I really like this piece. The line:
"But there aren't many people you can trust to let you die."
is very powerful.

You seem to create pieces like this effortlessly. It's tragic and beautiful because it feels so honest. It was this same quality that made your Percy/Arthur piece so good.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It's not exactly happy-go-lucky, so I'm grateful you let me know.

You remember Here Again? Cool.

Icarus

[lerah99.livejournal.com]

Of course I remember Here Again! It one of my favorite pieces by you. Normally incest pieces are dark and non-con. Here Again is the only incest piece I've ever read that presented it as a blurring of boundaries rather than rape. It felt more realistic because of that. Arthur loves Percy and worries about how his actions have effected Percy, but he just can't seem to stop it from happening. Percy isn't a docile victim, but seeks the comfort of his father's touch. Add that to the awkwardness of their meeting, and you have a great piece.

Ok, now I sound all fan-girlish so I will stop. In any case, I really like A Sketchbook and I also really like Here Again.

[jadziahp.livejournal.com]

This was nice. You know, I really like your takes on Jack and Daniel's relationship.

BTW, been busy and all that, but I *will* get around to reading walls of Jerico...can't wait to actually find some peaceful time and read it.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

Well, wait till the weekend. I have an important scene coming up next, and it will end in a more satisfying place than what I have now.

Icarus