Out of the Fire
Missing Scene/Episode Tag: Into the Fire
Daniel collapsed onto his bunk in exhaustion and relief. It was over. They had returned safely through the Stargate, showered, debriefed, and been checked over by Doctor Janet Fraiser. Daniel's leg still hurt, but the gash had been treated and bandaged by one of the nurses, who assured him that it wouldn't take long to heal if he took it easy for a week or so.
Daniel smiled wryly to himself. SG-1 had been taken off the mission roster for the next three weeks, because General Hammond had stated quite firmly that he didn't need the stress of them getting into trouble again while he sorted out the political mess caused by his unauthorised trip off world and the relating circumstances. SG-1 were grateful for the downtime, and were looking forward to getting some quality rest.
At least, Daniel hoped he could rest. His fatigued body was more than willing to fall asleep, but his brain seemed to have other ideas. Like reliving the implantation of the Goa'uld in his best friend again and again. Hearing Jack's scream of pain and anguish as it burrowed into his neck to take over him body and soul; Jack's grunts of pain as he struggled to fight the inevitable, desperate not to give in and have Hathor's threat that he would kill his friends come true; Sam's barely repressed sobs...
Daniel hadn't been able to react. The reality of the situation had been too much for him, and his emotions had all shut down. He couldn't deal with the loss of yet another loved one to the Goa'uld. First Shau'ri, then Skaa'ra... But it wasn't supposed to happen to Jack. Jack was the strong one who kept it together when they were taken and promised that he would get them back. He was the warrior who swore to fight the Goa'uld for all he was worth. He was the friend who had given Daniel hope.
The whole situation had seemed so unreal at the time, even as waves of despair had crashed against the walls of Daniel's heart as he watched the man he trusted, respected and loved get torn away from him piece by agonising piece... as he listened to Jack scream.
Daniel's eyes were prickling. He lifted his glasses absently and rubbed at them, startled when his hands came away wet with tears.
We're home, he reminded himself. We're safe. The self-assurance didn't seem to work, though, as the tears continued to slid unhindered down his face. Being back at the SGC had brought his barriers down, and the emotional aftershocks of so nearly losing Jack were hitting hard.
I need to see him.
Jack was in the infirmary, probably sleeping. Janet had said that his neck and back muscles were pretty messed up, due to the parasite's rough entry and then frantic attempt to escape the freezing process only a few minutes later, but that he would be okay. Daniel needed to see with his own eyes, though, before he could even try to sleep.
It took a while for Daniel to compose himself enough to venture from his quarters, but eventually he staggered down the near empty corridors to the infirmary and after checking to make sure that there were no nurses around – or strong-willed doctors – who would object to his presence he slipped into the room.
Daniel breathed a gentle sigh when he saw Jack sleeping peacefully, and quietly took the seat at his bedside. He slipped his hand into Jack's and simply sat there in silence, drinking in the sight of his friend, safely home and completely himself. It gave him renewed hope, and he fell asleep with a faint smile on his face.