Menacing?

by Riantiata

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asr/riantiata/menacing.php
Summary: A Colonel has to do what a Colonel has to do

Jack was knocking back a few beers to combat the stress of yet another fraught day at the SGC.

*Give me paperwork any day – no! Don't go there*

A rap at the door heralded a simmering Daniel, with a bandaided head and arm in a sling, who stalked in and challenged him.

"Jack, you bastard - I am so glad you can resist the urge to shove me through the wall." The voice dripped sarcasm.

Jack fell back in his chair at the rage in Daniel's eyes and spilt his beer.

"Oh, come on, Daniel. I didn't mean it."

"You left me sitting on the gateroom floor, you sonovabitch!" Daniel blazed "Why the hell did you say it?"

Jack waved an ineffectual hand.

"Well – you know. All those SF guys. Uh – gotta say something to keep up my reputation... You know – a sarcastic answer."

Daniel glowered and leaned in, the fingers of his good hand prodding Jack's shoulder

"To enhance your fuckin' macho image?"

"Somethin'like that." Jack said weakly, cuddling his beer to his chest.

"So it's okay to threaten me just to bolster your persona as a hard-ass Colonel? Bastard!"

"You knew I didn't mean it."

"Did I?" Daniel shouted.

"Yeah. You know me – and my big mouth. Usually you give as good as you get. Since when did you take offence?"

"Since it sounded like you meant it."

"But you knew I didn't?" Jack persisted.

Daniel sighed, his anger deflating "Yeah...I guess."

Jack relaxed and drained what was left of his beer.

"Look. I ain't gonna come on to you all hearts and flowers – right?"

"Good God, no – I mean – right." Daniel looked shocked.

"So – I handle it the way it's expected. 'Poor old Doc. Got shoved around by the replicator chick. Get over it!' Ok?"

Daniel nodded, understanding the nuances.

"Not gonna let them see how much it hurt to keep away - when you're injured. Not...can't... show concern."

"I know." (softly.)

"Shooting Reece like that, I know it upset you. That was my answer to protect you – I couldn't take a chance, Daniel. I gotta do that to make it look military – like a threat neutralized. You understand?"

"Yeah. Jack." A sad smile.

"So how's the head, and the wrist?"

"Sore."

"Kiss 'em better?"

"Would you?"

"Yeah. C'mere."