A/N: This is an alternate universe story line, I know its been a while since the first chapter. For all of those sending encouraging reviews, keep them coming they are most appreciated.

"Now you decide what you want."

"What do you mean what I want?"

"I've laid all the cards on the table. It's time for you to make a choice." She looked at him and watched as he pretended to remove a piece of lint from his jeans. He was confused and anyone else in his position would be as well. She couldn't really blame him for his silence, but she wasn't going to tell him that the silence was killing her.

A few minutes later, Sam decided that it was a good idea to get him some water so that he could take his pills. Janet sent him home with a plethora of medicine to keep the headaches and the nausea at bay while he regained the full use of his body back.

"Here you go."

"Thanks."

"I'm just going to make some dinner. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."

In the kitchen, she pulled out her apron and starting pulling things from the fridge and cupboards. She figured she might as well stay busy if for any reason she stopped to think about any of the million things floating around in her mind, she would break down and cry. After a few minutes she heard Jack shuffle into the kitchen and stop to watch her.

"What are you making?"

"Chicken Cord en' Blu"

"Sounds good, you appear to be very at home here."

"Well, I've had a few months to get settled. As soon as Janet says you have the all clear, I'll start looking for a place of my own."

"You don't have to do that."

"Yes I do."

"Why?"

Sam stopped and placed the knife she was holding down on the counter. After she was sure her hands had been wiped using the hand towel hanging from the handle of the stove, she turned and walked to him. She stood her ground and looked up at him with pleading eyes. She wanted to know just where she stood and she was going to get her answer, Sam just wasn't sure if she was going to like it.

"Why don't I have to leave?"

"Because I want you to stay here, stay with me." He said reaching out to cup her face with his right hand. "I don't want you to go. This past week of not being able to see you was agony."

"I know these past few months without you have been pure torture. Its worse than when you were trapped on Edora." She said as she leaned into his touch. She was sure that she would never get this close to him again.

"Come here." He said he wrapped his other hand around her waist and drew him to her. They stood there for what seemed like forever, but in fact was only a few minutes holding each other. Silent tears fell down Sam's cheeks as she enjoyed his embrace. It felt so wonderful to be held in his arms once more. She pulled back to look at his eyes, at that same moment he looked down at her and closed the distance between them.

This kiss was gentle, Sam's tears evident as their lips met. It was nerve racking when Sam pulled away and felt the knots forming in her stomach. She had wanted this and missed it more than she realized while he was sleeping in his coma. She noticed that Jack swayed right after they parted, and knew that he needed to sit down. She lead him to the breakfast knook where he sat, but still kept a hold of her hand.

"Do you need anything?"

"Nah, I'm good; how long until dinner?"

"I'd say about 25 minutes at most. Do you want something in the mean time?"

"No, I'm just going to sit here and watch."

"Ok." She smiled slightly and then went back to making dinner. It was finished in no time, they ate in silence, both stealing a glance at the other. Once all was said and done, Sam cleaned up and then helped Jack back to the living room where she turned on the latest Avalanche game for him to watch.

They didn't say anything, they just sat there holding one another as they watched the game. The tranquil silence was broken by the ringing telephone.

"I'll get it." Sam strode across the room and answered the phone, already knowing who was on the other end. "Hi Janet."

"How is our patient?"

"He's doing good. I think he's glad to be home. I'm making sure that he takes his pills."

"Is he still up?"

"Yeah, we're watching the game."

"He really needs his rest."

"I know, but we were talking and time got away from us. I'll put him to bed soon."

"Ah uh. Make him rest Sam, or I'm making him come back to the SGC. Did you tell him?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"I'll let you know, goodnight Janet." Before she could respond, Sam had disconnected the call and had turned to see Jack sitting there watching her.

"Doc checking up on me?"

"Yeah." He picked up the remote and turned off the television. "Its late, I guess we should call it a night."

"Of course, let me get your pills."

Sam walked into the kitchen and came back a few minutes later, but Jack wasn't on the couch. She found him instead in his room, pulling on a pair of sweats. He was trying his best to stand on his own two feet, but from their lack of use it was proving to be a difficult task. She handed him the pills and water and then helped him get his sweats on.

"You should've waited. I'm here to help you."

"I know, its just that, well I want to prove I can do it on my own."

"Sometimes though there are things that we all need help with."

"Such as?"

"This." She said as she leaned down and kissed him hard. She held his hand with hers and maintained control of the kiss. Soon she felt his hands on her back pulling her flush against him. She knew there was no turning back and after 8 years of skating the issue and keeping it in the room, now was the time for them. When Jack pulled back he searched her eyes for doubt, only to find none.

"Sam?"

"Jack, its been in that room for way to long now. Tonight lets be us and go from there."

And so they did, that night as they made love even with Jacks limitations, the room was full of heat. Nothing had ever been like this and nothing would ever again. It took them 8 years, a few near death experiences and one very abusive boyfriend for them to realize that what they needed was right there in front of them all along.

All the changes that had taken place over the years at the SGC and the country and heck even the galaxy were well earned now in this time and this place. The changes in the years to come would be because of the dues that they had paid to get to this moment.

A/N: It is now complete. I made add an epilogue but not sure yet. Let me know what you think. This story has been nominated for a BLUEMOON AWARD. Please vote if you want to see it win. Thank you for the nomination.