With the Odyssey returning with a successful mission and SG1 garnering exclusive rights to mine Naquadah from PX-357, the IOA was pleased, not that the President had any problems of allowing SG1 to make a personal mission for Vala. The Browns made sure that Woosley and his IOA pretty much left SG1 alone and even arraigned more funds to flow to SGC for several projects that had been stalled by IOA.
Vala never again would have to worry about the IOA forcing her to visit Area 51 against her will, or bother any friends of Vala period. The Browns were considered a national treasure by the President and were allowed protection if they so wanted. But Henry and Martha decided they loved their home without any government presence and found new friends and invites to SGC anytime.
However on the return to SGC, Vala had become distant and quite. She had asked Cam and her friends to give her time to be alone with her thoughts and Cam kept a safe distance, making sure she had all the time in the world.
The Browns returned to their home and made sure Vala would come visit anytime. Jack stayed in Colorado on Sam's request. They made of for time away from each other, as well as Sam wanting Jack to stay and talk to Cam for support. She was worried about Vala and the strain on Cam at seeing Vala in such distress. Sam knew all to well the strain of having a relationship when the other can't communicate their feelings. She made sure she kept in communicado with Vala if she needed her.
Daniel and Teal'c were worried too. It was not like Vala to stay distant from the team, especially on movie night. But Cam assured them when Vala was ready, she would come back to herself.
Vala stayed at Cam's house, not wanting to be to far from him, but knowing this was a safe haven for her, and she knew Cam would give her a wide berth for what she was going thru. Her faith in him was not misplaced.
After returning from PX-357 and seeing Tirren and Sanya back together; Vala remembered not so pleasant memories of Quetesh and how her life was turned upside down and plunged into a nightmare.
Vala remembered how she was torn from her family to become host to Quetesh. How her own body was taken over to incur death and torture to others at Quetesh's request. She thought how her face would always garner terror from those who remembered how cruel Quetesh could be, tearing whole families apart and still become a danger to her friends and Cam.
She wanted to run, escape her past. But the draw to remain at the only home she had become to love on earth was too great. Daniel had offered her an opportunity that no other could possibly imagine. She was given an opportunity to change her life, to settle down and be responsible, not just for herself, but for others. She had gained some semblance of family in SG1 and had earned every bit of trust from her new found friends and others without realizing it.
So many memories had flooded her mind, that she knew lay dormant until some type of bad experience as being tortured again drudged them up and reminded her that she still carried the blood of others on her soul and no amount of good deeds would ever wash away her pain.
She had thought that Daniel would be a companion for her, and had wished at one time that he would see past her façade of smiles and laughs and see how much she wanted to be with someone. How much she craved to be wanted and loved, without being reminded of who she was or how she was tainted by Quetesh's sick prowess to rule by using sex and torture to excel her power.
Vala sat on the back deck of Cam's house, wrapped in a blanket, seeing solace in the snow that fell quietly in his backyard. Cam had a overhead roof that kept the snow from his deck, and Vala had a beautiful view of the valley where he resided. How the snow cap mountains in the distance became a focal point of her thoughts as darkness was ascending amongst the white snow that illuminated it all.
Vala never heard Cam return as he was worried that Vala had not turned on the lights in the home when he came in. Walking thru his home, he noticed thru the patio door to his deck that Vala was sitting on the lounge chair. He watched her in silence for awhile and decided she may not have had anything to eat yet. He lit the fireplace and started preparing dinner. He knew how much she loved his spicy spaghetti and meatballs and he wanted so much to make sure she enjoyed her meal.
Cam continued to set the table and wanted nothing more than be near Vala. He wanted so much to hold her and tell her that he loved her no matter what. He hated to see her so lost and alone, while what she accomplished gained more and more respect from him and her friends.
Cam walked out to the deck and could see she was cold, but probably would never admit it.
"Hey." Cam grabbed her hands trying to warm them up.
Pulling the blanket up closer to herself. "Hey; I didn't hear you come in."
"I kinda figured that you needed your space. I've got your favorite dinner ready. Why don't we come in and get cozy and eat. hmmm?"
"Well, I hate for you to go thru so much trouble."
"Think nothing of it. Just take my hand and come feel the warmth."
Vala smiled at Cam's chivalry and his hidden message. She felt like she had neglected Cam and appreciated how patient he had been. She let Cam lead her inside and take the blanket from her. Cam changed arrangements and decided to sit Vala by the fireplace and eat. Vala appreciated the attentiveness, and seem to forget her thoughts to enjoy Cam's company.
Vala loved Cam's cooking and the meal felt right, while Cam smiled at her eating and finally relaxing a little. Vala ate in silence as the flames warmed her body, and Cam sitting beside her on the floor warmed her heart. She finished her plate and Cam offered to take her and his plate in the kitchen. Cam returned and gathered Vala in front of him on the floor. He wanted to hold her until the end of time and it felt right holding her in his arms. He wanted to give her comfort that it was alright not to talk about what was on her mind. That she was allowed to open up about her past in her own time in her own way.
Vala leaned back against his chest, while Cam kissed the top of her head. It felt good to be held by someone who truly cared about her, and she knew Cam made it easy for her to bathe in that world.
"Cam?"
"Hmm?"
"I appreciate……..
Vala shifted in Cam's arms to turn and look directly in his eyes.
"I…..appreciate your kindness and patience. You don't know how much it means to me."
Cam could look into those grey eyes and get lost. He could see the love and trust in her eyes.
"You know I would do anything for you Princess. Nothing is too much to bear."
Vala knew Cam would do anything to protect her and she needed for him to know the same.
"Cam I know I…I've been…….distant, shutting you off. You, Sam, Teal'c, everyone has been patient with me for all the trouble I've caused for my past."
"Vala you don't have to explain about your past. Everyone has a past that catches up with them, good or bad. You are a valued member of my team and SG1. You are the love that I could hope for and have. Nothing, and I mean nothing will deter me from ever loving or leaving you."
Vala's heart seem to skip a beat at Cam's words. It had been so long since anyone truly cared about her and she was happy to be blessed with such a man and friend.
"I want you to know this Cam, that maybe down the road, Quetesh's past will continue to plague me for the rest of my life. It's something I may have to pay with my life for and I just don't want anyone and especially you caught in the middle. I couldn't handle it if someone in my life is taken…….taken from me again."
Cam now could understand that whatever loss Vala had, would always affect her and one day she may let him in to that dark world. But now he just wanted to keep her close and safe.
Looking deep into her eyes and pulling her close. "Then we won't." While cupping her face and kissing the tears that slipped from her eyes.
Cam pulled Vala into a deep kiss and then gently laid her down near the fire place. He began undoing her blouse while he kept his lips on hers. Vala started undoing his shirt, while eagerly playing tongue tag with her mouth. Both gently undressed each other, while caressing each others features they admired and loved to touch. The moans from both of them were increasing, and Cam reached for the blanket that he took from Vala earlier. He laid it near the fireplace, bathing in it's warmth and loving the reflection it was causing across Vala's now naked body.
Cam finally removed the last vestige of clothing from himself and gently lowered Vala onto the blanket. Tongues, lips, and hands were everywhere on their bodies, wanting to savor each touch to memory. Cam touched Vala's breast with one hand, while hovering over her delicious body, while Vala touched his face tenderly to convey how much she wanted him. Cam continued to pay close attention to Vala's chest, while teasing her below with his member, eliciting soft moans from Vala. Cam stroked his member up and down Vala's center, while nudging her legs open to enter her. Vala was undulating her hips in anticipation of Cam's ministrations, and she wasn't disappointed.
Cam entered her gently at first, making his rhythm methodically slow and meaningful. Vala was arched to allow Cam more access, while running her hands up and down his muscular back and arms. She wanted to feel lost in his kisses and touch and she couldn't get enough of him being inside her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, wanting him deeper inside her, to her very core, and Cam obliged. He lifted her waist further up to allow deeper access to her now pulsating center and he felt like he would melt inside her. His thrust were becoming demanding, wanting and he couldn't stop if he wanted to. He was flying and her essence and sweet smell of her body urged him on and on until he couldn't hold off anymore.
Vala could feel herself being taken to new heights and her love for Cam made her release everything inside her that she wanted to release. She could feel the build up and she wanted to come with Cam at the same time. She felt his back tense and arms tighten around her, while kissing her into oblivion.
"Come…….come with me Vala. Come with me." Cam was straining to hold on, to see her explode before him.
"Yes……..yes Cam. Take me Cam……..take me."
Both their cries of ecstasy echoed thru the room, across the heavens and amongst the fire burning inside them. They both held each other as Cam collapsed on top of Vala. She was still coming down from her climax and Cam wanted to feel her body against his, holding on until Vala decided she couldn't handle his weight.
He felt her shift, but only to see him raise his head and look into his beautiful blue eyes. "I love you Cam……I love you."
Cam could only look into those radiant grey eyes and see only the love and passion in her heart. "I love you too……very, very much." Cam kissed her passionately as the silhouette of their bodies reflected off the walls from the flickering flames.
ONE YEAR LATER
"It has been decided Daniel Jackson that I have won the pool. It is a boy. Dr. Lam has confirmed this."
"Now wait a minute, I remember that you bet they would have a girl. When did you change up?" Stated Daniel.
"That is not important, I have won, it is time we visit Colonel Mitchell and Vala Mol Doran on this joyous occasion."
"Well ok, but I bet Jack had something to do with this. Inside information I bet."
INFIRMARY
"Oh Vala he's beautiful." Said Sam. "Have you and Cam named him?"
"I bet there's a pool going on that too." Stated Cam, smiling and kissing Vala by her bedside, who was glowing.
"Oh, Cam stop betting for once. We have named him Henry Martin Mitchell."
The Browns were in the room. Henry beamed with pride at his paternal grandson. Martha was overjoyed that she had another extended family in Cam and Vala, and SG1 had adopted the Browns as one of their own.
"Well personally I would have went for Bart, but momma Sam has threatened me with hiding my DVD's of the Simpson."
"And I mean it to Jack." Sam smiled while rubbing her own petruding stomach.
"Well I think the momma is tired and baby too, so I want everyone to let Vala get her rest." Dr. Lam was checking on Vala after giving birth a few hours earlier.
"Alright everyone, you've heard the Doc. Let's let the new parents be alone and enjoy their little bundle. I hear they have cake in the cafeteria Henry. I bet Martha would love to pick out the size of your desert."
"Thanks Jack for reminding her." Henry poking Jack.
"Come on Sam, our boys are hungry. Thank goodness we don't have to change them too." Pushing Henry out, after kissing Vala on the cheek.
"We're so happy for you both." Hugging Cam and Vala. "We'll be nearby if you need anything. We love you both dear."
Vala smiled and her eyelids were slipping downward a little. As the couples left, Cam placed baby Henry in the crib to sleep. He smiled and watched the baby fall asleep. Cam had called his parents earlier and informed them also of their new born grandson. They were overjoyed and his mother wanted pictures downloaded as soon as possible. His father couldn't stop talking until his wife made him hang up and would call back later after telling the neighbors.
Cam smiled at his new little son, and couldn't believe his life was so complete. He pulled up a chair and kissed Vala's hand, while she held onto his.
"You did good Mrs. Mitchell. He's a handsome boy if I do say myself."
"I think I had a hand in that Mr. Mitchell. This mother tends to know how to pick them." Vala said sleepily.
Cam adoringly reached up to kiss Vala again. He still had to pinch himself to know he had this beautiful wife and a beautiful son in his life. Never could have imagined to have such a blessed life and family.
Vala strained to stay awake, and she looked lovingly at Cam. "I think the baby has influenced me to nap a little."
"Then go right ahead. I'll be here when you both awake. I love you so much sweetheart."
Vala smiled, closing her eyes thinking how wonderful her life is. This is what she wanted most in her life. This is what Quetesh could never fathom. Love and a family.
"Yes my darling. I love you both." Yawning "always."
With that said, Cam settled back into his seat watching Vala fall asleep peacefully and his son nearby to watch over. He thought about how Vala had come a long way to find a home and finally some peace from all her wandering. He had found her and stolen her heart and he had become a better man and leader because of her. Life was good, and swore he would never allow anyone to disturb his life with Vala or harm her in anyway, ever again.
Fini
A/N: I appreciate all the reviews, especially from Acer Sigma and fellow muses. This is one of those stories that allowed me to explore a whole new realm with Cam. I hope everyone enjoyed it. As usual any comments and reviews are welcomed.
