Chemical Awareness by Amaranth Traces (T)

[silver_galaxy]

Rec Category: Daniel/Sam

Pairing: Daniel/Sam Jack/Sam UST
Category: angst, romance, drama
Warning: not a happy ending for Jack/Sam, die hard Jack/Sam fans won't like some parts, mild violence
Author on LJ: none
Author's Website:  Amaranth Traces and Thraesja-SG1 FanFiction

Link: Chemical Awareness

Why this must be read:

Sam thought about how Colonel O’Neill and Daniel had been acting. Daniel had said repeatedly that he loved her. The Colonel had said that he wanted her. That was quite a difference. In fact, it was a significant difference. She contemplated the implications of this observation

Unfortunately there is a bit of a tendency in the Daniel/Sam community to harshly criticise other pairings in fic to emphsis how great Daniel and Sam are together and this oftens means that fics are turned into condescending meta. Thankfully this fic is not one of them. The reasons that Sam has for choosing Daniel over Jack are wonderfully woven into the story line and make it seem very natural. It is also a very passionate story, without there being much more than kissing, which for me is a sign of great writing. Although there is a happy ending there is plenty of angst and drama along the way. Whilst this fic is kind of the Broca Divide part 2, it is still well worth reading

There’s plenty of room over here, Carter.”

Sam looked across the table at her commanding officer, confused.

“Back off, Jack,” Daniel said coldly.

Sam turned to her friend in surprise.

“Or what?” demanded Colonel O’Neill.

“Just...knock it off. Leave her alone.”

“Uh...guys? What’s going on?”

Both men got up from their chairs and walked around the table until they were toe to toe. The Colonel poked Daniel’s shoulder with two fingers. “What are you going to do about it?” He poked him again. “Nothing. That’s what. So, why don’t you take your geeky ass outta here and give me and Carter some time alone.”

“Colonel! What has gotten into you?”

The men seemed completely oblivious to her. Daniel gave Colonel O’Neill a shove. The older man wasn’t prepared and he stumbled backwards.

“I said ‘back off’, Jack.” Daniel’s fists clenched at his sides.

“Daniel! What is going on here?” Sam tried to get in between the two men but they ignored her. They glowered at each other.

“What would she want with a dweeb like you?”

“What would she want with an arrogant ass like you?” Daniel countered.

The Colonel took several menacing steps toward Daniel who settled into a fighting stance, clearly prepared to defend himself.