FIC: Echoes by Cowardly Lion

[chattycatsmeow]

This fic has timed out from Ancient's Gate 15: The Way It Is. Set early in Season 7, this is over 8,000 words of Jack and Daniel first time drama and angst as the men come to terms with Daniel's returning memories and the pain it brings.

Rated NC-17, it has spoilers for Orpheus, Small Victories and Abyss. MASSIVE thanks to mlevinsand

Comments

[chattycatsmeow]

We just did NOT see enough of Daniel's re-immersion into his previous existence. That whole process should have taken more than one episode. The show didn't even have to focus on the re-entry process. It could easily been done through little comments in the next few eps.

[tresa_cho]

Dawwww. Such lovely coming to terms with everything fic! Daniel throwing a fit, and Jack making a list of things he'd do if Daniel came back... So very Jack.

[chattycatsmeow]

Poor Daniel - it must have been overwhelming at times. In my world Jack was always there for him. :)

[advection]

Oh, whew, they did work it out!

The wonderful easy, contented companionship at the beginning, and then that beautiful memory of almost perfect happiness, and then Jack's really painful rejection -- I enjoyed the way all that unfolded, like a journey through rooms all painted in different emotional tones, and always another door, until finally Daniel stops going through the door and it's just the two of them, sink or swim, and they get it right this time.

The intensity and disorientation and overwhelmingness of the returned memories is very vivid, and I love how he's experienced enough now in those returns-of-memory that he stops when he feels one coming on: he had a moment of déjà vu and came to a halt as a precaution.

I really like that the triggering moment is such an easygoing at-home kind of exchange, and the metaphoric resonance that it's about getting a re-fill of the two beers.

Love this line: "Cross my heart and hope to stay alive."

Glad you posted here!

[chattycatsmeow]

Thank you for the wonderfully detailed comments! I write so little drama & angst that it really is helpful to know which parts a reader connected with.

Per my comment to princessofg above, Daniel's re-entry process, stepping back into a life he didn't even remember at first, should have taken more than one episode. The whole process intrigues me - how did it occur? how did Daniel perceive it? how did it affect those around him?, what did it feel like? - all of that needs exploring. Thank heavens for fanfic. :)

[advection]

ITA about the portrayal of Daniel's re-entry process, and thank heavens for fic indeed!

[greatbriton]

This was very beautiful. I love how you treated Daniel's memories of his time before he ascended. And the way Jack dealt with the situations, seemed very true to Jack. Wanting to stick to the rules but being in love with Daniel.

Thanks for posting this, I loved it. and I do agree with your above comment, that they should have spent a little more time with Daniel's re-entry process. It was too rushed for my liking.

[chattycatsmeow]

I'm so glad Jack's actions made sense. Poor guy was stuck between Duty and Daniel - how to choose? At least they got it right this time around.

Thanks for commenting!

[chattycatsmeow]

Thanks for the much needed assist with this. :)

I've considered re-visiting this era of the show and taking another look at it from a different angle.