Title: Consolations
Rating: K+
Disclaimer: I don't own or have any rights to Stargate SG-1 or the characters
Summary: Short missing scene for "Unending", it's my version of why Mitchell went so crazy.
He collapsed heavily onto the overturned mattress and buried his face in his hands; this was not how this freaking trip was supposed to go. He didn't, couldn't blame Sam, she'd done what she thought was right and she was working her ass off trying to get them home.
But, he wasn't supposed to spend the rest of his life going crazy damn it, he wasn't supposed to die without the opportunity to fight what was killing them, and he sure as hell was not supposed to live his life without her.
His only consolation was that she would never have to endure the this hell that he was in now.
She would have to live without him, but at least she would know that he would never come home. He'd tried his hardest, used every possible tactic, to keep hope alive over the past years but the waiting was slowly driving him insane. He'd be much better off to just accept that he would never get off this ship- never see her again, but Cameron Mitchell had never been a quitter and he wasn't going to start now.
A soft knock at his door broke through his tortured thoughts, "Cam, it's me, can I come in?"
"You can try," he laughed hollowly.
On the other side of the door Sam furrowed her brow; his cryptic statement had an odd quality to it that she couldn't put her finger on. She tried the door- not locked- and was able to open it about six inches before meeting resistance. Carter pushed harder and finally stumbled into the disaster area that was Mitchell's quarters, "Oh my God Cam, what happened here?"
Mitchell bit his lip before giving a weak attempt at his usually brilliant smile, "Teal'c's still nursing bruised ribs from our last session, so I found a new outlet for my anger."
Sam sniffed back the tears that had suddenly sprung to her eyes, "Cam, I- I can' say how sorry-"
He cut her off abruptly, "Sam, sit," he ordered, patting the mattress next to him. He waited until she'd lowered herself down next to him before putting an arm around her shoulders and drawing her into a desperate hug. "Listen to me ok, this is not you fault, you saved our lives, and I know how hard you're working to get us out of this. No one blames you, and if they try to, they'll answer to me."
Sam nodded against his chest, silently wondering what she'd done in her life that was so good to deserve a friend like him. Cameron had never failed to ease the pain in her heart, even if it was only for a little while. Her only regret was that his pain was too deep for even her to reach. She could tell he'd managed to exorcise his anger because abject grief and longing were the only things reflected in his light eyes.
"Cam, I can't even begin to imagine how much you miss her, but we're all worried about what it's doing to you. Even the General has talked to me about it. I absolutely hate to say this, but you have to find a way to move on, at least for now."
"She's pregnant, Sam."
His words were barely audible, but they had no trouble breaking her heart, "Oh God Cam, how long?" She pulled out of their hug to see the tears running down his face.
"She told me the night before we left." His thoughts drifted back to that wonderful night as Sam pulled his head down onto her shoulder. She'd met him at the door in nothing but an apron; needless to say, they'd eaten a cold dinner curled up together on the kitchen floor. Originally he'd thought she was just still excited about the engagement, it'd only been six weeks after all, but then she'd produced the small silver keychain. He'd believed that nothing could make him happier than the moment she'd said yes, but reading the words "#1 Dad" had left that feeling in the dust.
"Does he know?"
Cam shook his head, "we were going to get everyone together for a party to make the announcement as soon as we got back. I'd even talked my parents into coming out."
Sam tried to laugh, "so, all those chess games have just been a way to earn brownie points with the General before you tell him that you knocked up his baby girl?"
Cam returned her sad grin, "pretty much, Carolyn informed me that it was my job to tell him at the party."
Sam's expression turned serious. "I'm going to get us out of this SNAFU Cam, I promise. I will get you home to see your child."
"I know you will."
The conviction in his voice cut straight through her; even after all this time, he still had absolute faith in her ability to do the impossible. "You're going to make a great father."
That earned her a genuine smile and another hug; Carolyn might not be here, but at least he had his friends. They sat in his destroyed quarters for the rest of the night, doing their best to heal each others heartaches.