Looking Forward (Riley/Jack O'Neil)

disclaimer: I don't own BtVS or SG-!.
challenge: #49 – Medical emergency.


Riley looked up at Brigadier General O’Neil and tried to find the energy to sit up in his hospital bed.

Tried to find the strength to give the man the respect he deserved.

Unfortunately, due to the number of tubes in his arms and throat, the thing clamped onto his finger, and the nodes stuck on various parts of his chest and head, that was a little difficult.

O’Neil just shook his head as Riley struggled and looked up at him with fearful eyes.

He was terrified they wouldn’t take him back, that he was too damaged to go on missions through the Stargate.

Terrified that he wasn’t competent enough for duty.

O’Neil patted his hand awkwardly and straitened up. Grinned reassured.

“Don’t enjoy your time off too much, Finn. The amount of paperwork you’ll have to do will be worse than you can imagine if you don’t come back soon.”

Then he turned to leave, stopped, and looked over his shoulder.

“I was thinking you might want to try out Atlantis. Give it some thought.”

He tapped the door twice as he walked briskly out the door and back to Stargate Command.

Riley closed his eyes and smiled, relieved.