Something Sweet, by Minnow (G)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Gen

Pairing: none
Categories: gen, Teal’c, Bra’tac, character study, friendship
Warnings: none
Author on LJ: minnow1212
Author's Website: Index of Fics
Link: Something Sweet

Why This Must Be Read: This charming little fic presents us with an aspect of Teal’c’s life, post-symbiote, when he discovers his first cavity.

Minnow lightly touches on each part of the story, yet gives a clear impression of a greater, more detailed scene just beneath the surface. We traverse from Teal’c’s dental visit to the team’s reactions to his discussions with Bra’tac on the subject of health and medicine. There is the teamy goodness of Sam’s post-cavity filling offering, Jack’s e-mail of support, and Daniel’s inevitable diversion into etymology. But most of all, there’s the lovely insight into Teal’c’s character, as he takes his cavity in stride and recognizes it for what it truly is: another step on the journey towards shaping the Jaffa into something far greater than the Goa’uld could have ever envisioned.

On the day of Teal’c’s appointment, he endures reassurance from General Landry, an offer of accompaniment from Daniel Jackson, and, via e-mail from O’Neill, a link to a site that has multitudes of dancing teeth spelling out the word, "Floss!" The last makes Teal’c smile. He sends a link to the dancing hamsters site in return; it should earworm O’Neill nicely.

The appointment itself goes smoothly. "It’s natural to be nervous," Dr. Gelman assures him at the beginning, but Teal’c finds himself not nervous but displeased. This is a nuisance coming when he has greater matters to deal with. But if it must be endured, better endured with dignity.

A few hours later, Teal’c hears a knock at his door. It is Colonel Carter, who asks him if the numbness has worn off (it has), and presents him with a bag of Snickers bars. "Family tradition," she explains as she unwraps a bar for herself. "From when Mark and I were kids. My mom would always give us something sweet after we’d gotten through a dentist’s appointment."

Sugar to recover from the effects of too much sugar: a very Tau’ri way of thinking, Teal’c thinks with some affection. If he has to deal with small nuisances, they are balanced by these small kindnesses. Teal’c inclines his head in thanks and says, "A good tradition," before taking a bite.