To Rise Above, by Jb (PG-13)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Jack and Daniel friendship

Pairing: none

Categories: Jack and Daniel friendship, Jack O'Neill, Daniel Jackson, gen, drama, angst, episode related

Warnings: language

Author on LJ: sg1jb

Author's Website: Jb at the Tablet

Link: To Rise Above

 

Why This Must Be Read: In the wake of The First Ones - and, later, Beast of Burden - Daniel turns to a new hobby, one he conceals from his friends. His choice is one in which he believes he can be in control of his destiny, rather than suffering as a helpless bystander while others die. But when Jack comes along for the ride, and events once more spill out of control, can Jack help him recognize the difference between power over circumstances, and command of his own state of mind?

"Jack, I'm sorry. It's not that I don't value your company, or your guidance." He looked straight at him, and Jack met his eyes. Daniel thought he looked confused and hurt, again, and so he did his best to explain it, again. "All right, so, I wanted this to be something I did for me, instead of getting all caught up with the expectations of other people, but it isn't just that, and it isn't that I don't trust you - I do trust you."

"So, what, then?" Jack asked quietly.

"So, so... Jack, when we came back from 888, I felt so helpless. It seemed like no matter what I got involved in or might try to do, I had no say at all in how things went. I guess I was looking for a new start in something, for something I could take on and have control over."

Jack nodded, then pulled a face at him. "Flying, Daniel? You chose flying?"

"Robert flew light aircraft, Jack. He loved it."

Jack's mouth formed a silent ahh, and Daniel didn't feel any need nor desire to spell anything out any further. But then Jack said, gently, "Okay. I got it now. I admit, I still don't really know why you wanted to keep it to yourself, but you're entitled to your privacy, Daniel. So, well, I guess what I'm trying to say here is, I understand now, and I'm sorry for fussing over it."

Looking away, down at his hands, Daniel softly clarified, "Most of all, Jack, I didn't tell you because I wanted the freedom to screw up, or maybe to give up if that's what I wanted, without worrying about how it might affect anyone else."