BEYOND ENDURANCE

 

"Daniel?"

 

"What is it, Jack?"

 

"Is it time yet?"

 

Turning to Jack, Daniel shook his head slowly.  "Sorry, you're going to have to wait a little longer."

 

"What if I can't?"

 

"Just try, okay?"

 

"Yeah, well, whatever," Jack muttered.

 

-o-

 

There was a long period of silence.

 

-o-

 

"Daniel? You still there?"

 

"I'm here, Jack."

 
"I thought you'd gone."

 

"No, I've been here the whole time."

 

"I wish I could see you," Jack said, a tension in his voice.

 

"Soon, you'll see me soon," Daniel crooned, trying to put Jack's mind at rest.

 

"Will it always be like this?"

 

"No, Jack, you just have to be patient."

 

"Will it be soon? It's getting hard."

 

"I wish I could do something to help," Daniel offered gently.

 

"You can, you know you can if you want to," Jack whispered. "You can put me out of my misery any time you like."

 

"You know I can't do that, Jack. What about the agreement, remember?"

 

"You could break it.  Y'know I'd do it for you," Jack replied, praying that Daniel would.

 

-o-

 

There was a pause...a moment of quiet, save that Daniel could hear Jack's breathing.

 

-o-

 

"Daniel, it's getting harder and I can't bear it any longer.  This not knowing when anything will happen is driving me crazy. I've made a decision.  I want you to end it, to finish it, now."

 

"Jack, do you know what you're asking me to do?"

 

"Yes I know, I know, but I can't stand it any longer...please."

 

Daniel could hear the tension build in Jack's voice, and he knew the other man was serious.  Could he let this continue and allow Jack to stay in this situation a moment longer than he wanted?

 

"I'm begging you, Daniel, finish it!"

 

"But what about the rules?"

 

"They don't matter anymore for cryin' out loud.  Just end this, finish me now, Danny.  Do ya want me to beg?  Just do it!"

 

"If it's what you want, if you're sure," Daniel said softly, needing Jack to be absolutely clear about what he was asking.

 

"Yes," Jack ground out.

 

"You know once I do this, there's no going back and there'll be nothing more I can do for you once it's ended?"

 

"I know, I know.  Oh god, Danny, please.  Finish it and end the darkness," Jack gasped.

 

"Okay, Jack. I'll give you what you want."

 

Holding his breath, Jack knew his end was close.  The tingling sensation running through his body told him so and he screamed....

 

-o-

 

The deed was done and there were a few moments of peace to follow.

 

-o-

 

As Daniel lay beside Jack's limp body, he smiled.  Releasing the blindfold and unfastening Jack's bonds, Daniel kissed him.

 

"Good?"

 

"Jeeze, Danny, only you could make me come like that."

 

-o-

 

The End