(A/N): Here is a fluffy Sam and Michael oneshot, set directly after s3, pretty much a fluffy alternate ending. I own nothing, but I agree that those two deserved to be happy together. Go away Helen.

Make It Work

"You should take it, you know." Sam jumped in surprise at the sound of Michael's voice directly behind her. She'd thought she was alone in the mortuary, finishing up the paperwork for what could, potentially, be her last case. She felt his hands move to cup her shoulders, his body heat seeping through her scrubs and sending a shiver down her spine.

"What? Michael…" Sam trailed off, turning in her seat to face him. He was watching her with his usual intensity, his emotions shining through in his eyes. How he'd gotten so far in the police was beyond her, when he wore his heart in his gaze so very often. Or maybe it was just where she was concerned. The pathologist blushed at the thought, letting her eyes drop from his down to her hands.

"Sam. I'm serious. You should take the London job." Michael reiterated firmly, sincerely, tipping her head up with a hand under her chin to look her in the eye again.

"I told you; I haven't made up my mind yet." She shook her head softly. If she were honest with herself, Michael was the main reason she didn't want to leave. Of course, she'd miss Trevor and Fred, but they'd cope without her, and she'd still call and visit occasionally. No, it was the thought of never seeing Michael again that was really weighing on her, casting doubt on wanting to go to London and be the chair of pathology down there.

"I know. But I still think you should take it. You're brilliant, Sam, amazing, and you deserve that job and more." Michael grinned at her, the happy, boyish grin that made her stomach flip every single time. The smile he reserved just for her. Mentally shaking herself from the urge to kiss the grin from his face, Sam instead focused on his words, her brow furrowed a little in thought.

"So you want me to leave?"

"I want you to be happy." He countered evenly. Sam knew he meant it, just as he'd meant everything he'd ever said to her, including that he and Helen were getting a divorce and having joint custody of David.

"And what about you?" She asked softly, letting one of her hands drift up to cover Michael's on her shoulder, squeezing the limb gently.

"Me?"

"Yes, you Michael. Don't you deserve to be happy too?" She let the love she held for him shine through the facade she wore at work for a moment, let him see just how much he meant to her, knowing he understood when he leant down, pressing a gentle peck to her lips. Together, things didn't seem as scary, almost as though they could get through anything. That alone was scary in itself, but the idea of having to do it all without him was scarier. Above all though, she wanted him to be happy. He deserved to be happy.

"I will be, knowing you're happy. And this London job will make you happy, even you can't deny that." Michael replied knowingly, offering her a reassuring smile. "You never know, I might find a post out there too."

"Promise?" She held his gaze, wanting to see it in his eyes as well as hear it in his voice. Michael nodded, leaning down to kiss her once more.

"I promise. We'll make this work, Sam."