Forgive and Contrition, by Kellifer (PG)

Rec Category: Teal'c and Daniel friendship

Pairing: none

Categories: Teal'c and Daniel friendship, Teal'c, Daniel Jackson, gen, angst, episode related

Warnings: references to FIAD

Author on LJ: kellifer_fic

Author's Website: Fic Index

Link: Forgive and Contrition

Why This Must Be Read: The glaring absence of Forever In a Day-related Teal’c and Daniel fics is just one more frustration in the general death of Teal’c and Daniel friendship fics, period. Fortunately, we have stellar authors like Kellifer to pick up the slack for us, with two related gems: Forgive and Contrition.

Forgive is Teal’c’s POV of the aftermath to Forever In a Day, as he watches Daniel and waits… and waits… and waits for the explosion that he is convinced must be inevitable – and, indeed, that he himself desperately needs. The final, quiet exchange is heartwrenching, but offers a promise of the chance to finally heal.

Contrition takes place exactly one year later. I don’t know if Kellifer planned these as matched stories – Contrition is actually a ficlet she wrote by request – but they mesh beautifully, as Daniel realizes that Teal’c still feels unforgiven… not by Daniel, but by himself.

We need more wonderful stories like this! But until fanfic authors get busy writing them, these two can be treasured and enjoyed.

You did the right thing...

He stands by the infirmary bed, watching the man below him sleep. There is an angry red mark on his forehead which is the only evidence left of that torturous day. The man's eyes flicker open and there is a flash of loss and anger and he thinks 'Yes... finally.'

But this melts away and is replaced by weary warmth.

"Hey. How long you been standing there?" His friend says, instead of what he should say.

What he is desperate to hear.