Title - Forgive

Disclaimer - Don't own, don't marysue!

Warnings - None

Archive - Sure, just ask.

You did the right thing Teal'c...

He stands by the cold metal table, fighting the urge to turn down
the sheet and gaze upon the death he has created. He knows what loss
is but has never felt such a keen edge to it as this. He knows he
has been forgiven but he can't understand why.

He needs his friend to scream at him.

To cry.

To do something.

This gentle acceptance drags salty fingers through his wounds.

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.

You did the right...

He stands behind O'Neill as the aging Colonel carefully helps Daniel
into a wheelchair.

They are taking him to see Sha're.

He hopes that finally faced with the unspeakable truth, Daniel will
finally break and rail as he should have.

When they reach the cool depths of the SGC and the sheet is pulled
back, Daniel reaches out a shaky hand and trails fingers down his
wife's face.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you." He says gently. He then turns and
says "I'm ready to go back to my room, thankyou."

He's so polite that Teal'c nearly screams.

You did...

He stands in the doorway of Daniel's apartment. O'Neill has just
stepped through and Sam stops short behind him.

"Are you okay?" She asks, gentle concern in her tone.

He feels the urge to tell her, but instead he remains stoic as they
would expect, shrugs his shoulders and steps through the door.

You...

He stands in the position he has become accustomed, slightly ahead
of Daniel, but not so much that the younger man would notice he is
being shielded. There are negotiations and Daniel is explaining how
they meant no harm and the villagers he is communicating with are
nodding their understanding.

Daniel has a way of breaking through barriers that he has always
envied.

Later that night, they share a meal and the weather is mild so they
sleep in a line, Major Carter standing over them because she pulled
the first watch.

"DanielJackson." He whispers and a head turns towards him. He can
hear O'Neill's gentle snoring so knows they are the only ones awake.
Carter has now moved out of earshot.

"Sorry, did I kick you?" Daniel tends to flail in his sleep, but
despite this he is always relegated to the middle. There seem to be
fewer nightmares that way.

"No. I just wish to tell you that I am not yet ready to be
forgiven."

Daniel rises on to one elbow and regards him for a time, before he
finally drops on his back again and lets out a heavy sigh.

"I wasn't really ready to forgive." Daniel says, and there is
genuine sadness in his voice.

For the first time in weeks, Teal'c smiles.

"But I will be, soon." He says.

"I will too." Daniel agrees.

For both men, there is finally peace.