Libera Me (Set Me Free) by Alphekka (PG by Reccer)

[morena-evensong.livejournal.com]

Show: SG-1
Rec Category: Daniel Jackson
Characters: Daniel Jackson, Jack O'Neill,
Pairings: starts off as one-sided Daniel/Jack, eventual Daniel/Jack
Categories: slash
Warnings: Angst, Depression, Suicidal thoughts/plans
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author's Website: Pandemonium
Link: Libera Me

Why This Must Be Read: According to the author's notes, this story was written in reponse to the many stories where either Jack or Daniel finally pluck up the courage to tell the other of their feelings only to find that the other feels the same but has been too scared of ruining their friendship and then they make up for lost time. This story's purpose was to explore what would happen if the response was negative. Daniel's the one to pluck up his courage only to get shot down.

This story is beautifully-written and very different from every other suicide-themed story I've ever read. In a sense, Daniel chooses to give himself one, last week to live and so he rents a beach house and spends a week doing whatever he wants. This story certainly doesn't promote suicide, nor does it idealize it, but Alphekka does an amazing job of getting into Daniel's head, of showing us what he's thinking. Daniel's approach to it is very... Daniel: he's thoughtful, meticulous and very aware of the impact his suicide will have on his friends. Of course, the story isn't entirely angst: there's some action and a bit of humour as Jack realizes how Daniel might have taken his reaction and then comes to realize what he's planning.

Yes, the story does have a happy ending, but that doesn't make its central theme any less powerful and doesn't make the angst hurt any less.

Comments

[wanted-a-pony.livejournal.com]

This sounds fascinating, both for the exploration of suicidal!Daniel & for the portrayal of Jack & Daniel's evolving relationship. (Not sure I'd have the intestinal fortitude to read it just now, however, if you hadn't reassured that it's 'as HEA as can be'.) Thanks for the rec--I'm off to DL it now.

[morena-evensong.livejournal.com]

If HEA means 'Happy ending Angst', then yes, it is. The happy ending is a long time in coming, but I found that Jack's struggles to get to Daniel in time cut some of the inherent angst because as the reader you knew he was on the way. I do love a well-written angst story, but I like them to leave on a high note of a happy ending - or at least the hint of a future happy ending. Hope you enjoy it!