Author Notes: In honor of Kindness in Fandom Day, August 10, 2005. Thanks to all who read and feed. Special thanks to taylyn10, BetaAngel from Heaven.

In honor of all of those who write and who support those who write:

One man in a thousand, Solomon says, Will stick more close than a brother. And it's worth while seeking him half your days If you find him before the other. Nine nundred and ninety-nine depend On what the world sees in you, But the Thousandth man will stand your friend With the whole round world agin you. -Rudyard Kipling

"Should you really be drinking, Jack?"

"Nope." Jack O'Neill took a long draft from the long-neck bottle. He sat in his favorite chair and looked at his best friend, waiting for him to say something.

Daniel Jackson knew better. Instead, he took a drink of his. He hated beer, but sometimes there was nothing better.

This was one of those times.

Teal'C stood looking out the back door of O'Neill's house.

"It was a nice service," Daniel said.

"Yes, it was." Jack took another swig. After a long minute of staring at the bottle, he slammed it down, causing the beer to spill upwards. "Why do people say that? What the hell is nice about a funeral? If you had a choice between anything else - hell, even a damned root canal - or a funeral, I'll bet any amount of money, you'd pick anything else."

"I don't know," Daniel said quietly. "Maybe it's just a need to say something."

Jack frowned. "Yeah, well, stop it."

Daniel nodded.

Teal'C spoke for the first time since the memorial service. "I believe I know what is 'nice' about a funeral."

Jack and Daniel both looked at him.

"It is an opportunity to reflect on the life of the one you have lost. It is also the opportunity to reflect on the lives you haven't. At a funeral, one must face the death of a loved one. It forces you to acknowledge that life is finite and the lives of those you care for are far more valuable to you than your own." Teal'C's words were softly-spoken but his deep timbered words resonated throughout the room.

Daniel looked to Jack.

Jack looked to Daniel.

Daniel smiled at Jack.

Jack frowned and nodded. "Yeah, well, I'd still rather have a root canal."

Teal'C turned to look at Jack as he picked up his beer from the table and leaned back in his chair. Daniel smiled up at Teal'C, who, then nodded a bow to Daniel, a smile not quite making it's way to the surface.

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