Jack's Choice

Rated: PG (language)

Category: Daniel/Jack Friendship, Angst, Jack POV

Season: Seven

Spoilers: Lost City

Summary: Jack's Reasons

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God, you're a pain in the ass. Especially when you're right.

I tried it my way. Two my ways, in fact. But neither one was good enough for you.

So, I'm open for suggestions here, people. Somebody give me another option, any option. But make it quick, those explosions ain't getting any farther away.

I barely see the movement before I react. Thank God my muscles move faster than my brain.

As my head tries to catch up, my soul screams at me.

SHIT! NO! NOT THAT OPTION!

My heart beats faster and panic grabs my gut with an icy cold hand.

It's harder to push you back than I thought it'd be. If I'd been just a second slower…

Jesus, what were you thinking?

When I can finally look at you, I see determination and a face I can't argue with. A fierce look that I wouldn't want to see on an enemy, and that even on a friend tells me a fight is coming.

I need back up. Come on, Carter, Teal'c, help me out here. Give me something, anything else to try. I risk a glance around, but the desperate and vacant looks I get back from the rest of my team confirm what I already know.

There's nothing else to do, and time is running out. We all know it.

Did I mention that I hate it when you're right?

I know you want this. I know you'd do it. Things have changed so much since we met a lifetime ago, but your passion has remained constant.

You beg me to let you do it, but I can't. I know you think this will unlock all the mysteries you've been seeking for so long, but I can't let you be the one. I have to protect you. Don't you understand? You're the only family I have, and I've already lost you more times than should be fair. One of these days, I won't get you back. Your luck will run out. I can't let you do this. I can't lose you again. If I had my way, you'd be back at the SGC studying samples of dirt and doohickies. You'd never come out here, where you could get hurt. But I can't do that to you. I know this means too much to you, and if I'm honest about it, I know I'm too selfish to leave you behind, too. I need you here, with me, where I can watch you and rely on you. I don't know what I'd do without you. The year you were gone nearly killed me.I can't stand by and let you do something that will make you slowly disintegrate in front of me. I can't lose you like that. Some things are out of my control, but not this. This I can control. I won't let you do this, no way, no how. You are a pain in my ass, but you're worth it, and you mean more to me than you'll likely ever know.

God, how do I tell you that without making you feel like a child?

Or revealing too much of myself? As much as I love you, I still can't say these things. It's too hard for me to admit that I need anyone, even as a friend. Don't make me do that, not here.

I need something to convince you. Something even you can't argue. Something concrete.

Yes!

"And who does the translating when you go Ancient?"

I'm right. I know it, and you know it. The choice here is obvious. I'm expendable, you're not.

Simple as that.

Good bye, Daniel.