Thanks for the reviews. :)

Title: Stardust
Author: CindyRyan
Pairings: Sam/Cam established.
Notes and summary: See part one

Epilog

Carrying a bouquet of red and yellow tulips in one hand and a stuffed brown bear in the other Cameron Mitchell stepped into the familiar infirmary. He moved to the right far side of the room where Sam's bed was.

She'd awaken from the coma three days after Carson had given her the anti-virus. Toughest three days of Cameron's life.
Even with all the assurances they hadn't really known if she was okay.
Wouldn't know until she regained consciousness.
Now two weeks later with positive test results Sam was on the road to recovery.
Slow as it was….she was still weak and lacked appetite but all in all Carolyn said it was the best they could hope for at this stage.

Cameron moved to the foot of the bed to find Sam asleep. Smiling Cameron placed the flowers on the already cluttered bedside table. He moved back to Sam and kissed her lightly on the forehead.

Cameron lingered there a moment inhaling her sent before he settled into the blue plastic chair.

Cameron picked up the paperback mystery novel from the cluttered table. He opened it at the bookmark and began to read.

It'd been the same routine for two weeks.
One Cameron was only happy to fall into.
He'd been lucky that Landry had granted him leave.
It wasn't like he didn't have two years worth of vacation days stored up but Cameron had a feeling O'Neill had something to do with it.
Another thing he'd have to thank the General for later.

When Cameron turned his third page Sam stirred and opened her eyes. She turned to face him and smiled.

"Hi."

"Hi yourself."Cameron replied with a smile as he put the book aside and leaned in to kiss her. "How do you feel?"

"Same as the last week….tired and weak."Sam stated as she returned his smile.

Cameron took her hand in his and squeezed it. "Carolyn said it'd be awhile before you got your strength back."

Sam nodded. "I know….it's just frustrating."

"It's only been two weeks, Sam."Cameron said softly. "You're not going to be kicking any Goa'uld ass right away."

Sam nodded and her gaze traveled to the bedside table and she noticed some new items among all the other gifts from her friends.

Cameron followed her gaze and pulled away from her so he could gather his presents. He gallantly handed her the bouquet and set the bear on the bed next to her.

Sam smiled as she inhaled the sweet sent of the tulips."They're beautiful, Cam…thank you."

"Glad you like them."

"They're as beautiful as the ones last week."Sam replied with a grin.

Cameron returned her grin and picked the flowers up and placed them back on the table. "Humor me. I don't get to spoil you very often."

Sam looked down at the bear and picked him up clutching him to her chest. "He's adorable, thanks."

Cameron sat down and reached into his jacket pocket. "Oh I got one more thing."

"Cameron."Sam protested as he pulled out a dark red velvet jewelry box.

"I thought you'd enjoy these."Mitchell replied quietly as he leaned forward.

Sam's breath caught in her throat as he opened the lid to revel two stunning diamond earrings

"Cam."Sam whispered as she stared at the beautiful earrings. She'd been touched when he'd taken vacation time while she recovered. She'd been touched by the gifts and the little things….real pillows…..sneaking in coffee and muffins….

"Do you like them, Sam?"Cameron asked softly as he handed her the box.

Sam met his gaze and the tears flowed freely. "Oh Cam they're gorgeous. Thank you so much."

Cameron cupped her face in his hands and gently kissed the tears away. Then he captured her lips in a long lingering kiss.

When they finally came up for air Cameron rested his forehead against hers.

"I came too close to losing you this time, Sam."Cameron said his voice barely audible.

"And you thought I'd be in danger on Atlantis."Sam replied with a soft smile.

"Not funny."Cameron stated as he pulled back and met her gaze.

"It's what we do, Cam."

Cameron lightly ran a finger over her right knuckles. "I know….I just….."

Sam reached up with her free hand and lightly caressed his cheek causing him to meet her gaze. "All we can do is treasure the moments we have together and look to the future."

Cameron kissed her once more.

"I love you."Sam said softly when they broke apart.

"I love you too, Sam."Cameron replied as he settled back in the chair their hands still entwined. "Always."

end