Title: Growing Pains
Author's LJ/DWJ: bungakertas
Categories: Jack, Jacob, Tok'ra, ep related, angst, friendship
Warnings: none
Author's Webpage/Fic list: tags list
Link to story: Growing Pains

Why this should be read: I love it when authors fill in the gaps between episodes. Here, we have a fantastic exploration of Charlie-the-Reetou's first weeks with the Tok'ra: his blending, his loneliness and uncertainty, some hard truths, and the beginnings of some real friendships. Just wonderful!


The man looked down at him with a friendly expression. “You okay?”

Charlie nodded, saying nothing.

The man looked skeptical. “You don’t look okay. You look like you’re going to be sick.”

“I am facing multiple organ failure and will soon die,” Charlie answered quietly.

The man’s expression grew rueful. “Yeah. Wrong thing to say.” He looked down as they walked and said, “Listen, I know I’m not Jack O’Neill, but I’m not so bad. My name is Jacob Carter.”

Charlie nodded. “You are Samantha’s father.”

Jacob nodded. “My brilliant kid.” He looked very proud.

And it was that moment when Charlie realized he could trust this man after all and asked the question preying on his mind. “Will it hurt?”

Jacob frowned thoughtfully. “It does a bit, but it’s not so bad and it’s over quickly. It feels uncomfortable more than painful. And your throat will feel scratchy for a few days.”

“Will I die?”

Jacob shook his head. “I don’t know, Charlie. It may be that a symbiote won’t be able to save you. But…mine saved me, and I was sick when I came here. I think you’ve got a good chance.”

Charlie blinked. “You…?”

“I was dying when I came to the tok’ra. If it weren’t for Selmak, I’d be dead now.”