A/N: I started this a while ago when I realised that I hadn't written any House fiction yet, then my computer died so I couldn't finish it, and only managed to resurrect it this morning. I agonised over how to write the ending for ages, but I'm fairly happy with it now. It's not in canon with the current series, it's probably set around season 3/4. Enjoy!
I Love You
The first time Cameron thinks about saying it, she is curled in Chase's arms, feeling the warmth radiate from his bare chest as his face is buried in her hair. She'd never imagined it would get this complicated; after all, it was just sex. Simple, no strings attached, uncomplicated sex. Until she'd realised that she'd fallen for him. She wasn't sure when it'd finally dawned on her; maybe it was when she'd woken up with the smell of fresh coffee drifting in from the kitchen, or when they'd stepped out of the lobby and he'd held his umbrella above them both, silently slipping his gloved hand into hers as they walked to the parking lot. Or perhaps it was when he'd slammed her up against the inside of his front door, lips crashing together as she ran her hands through his tousled, blond hair whilst he traced his fingers over the smooth skin underneath her shirt.
"Chase?" she whispers into the darkness. "Are you awake?" No answer. Silence only broken by the steady breathing of the sleeping man whose arms she lies in. Although she knows she has to tell him, now isn't the time.
The second time, Cameron has been awake for 21 hours and any chance of falling into bed is still at least 2 hours away. So when Chase silently places a steaming mug of coffee and a blueberry muffin in front of her there's no one in the world that she loves more. She stares down at the offering, but when she looks up to mumble her gratitude, he's already gone. Sighing, she lifts the mug to her lips and savours the taste of the liquid gold that's trickling down her throat.
The third time, they're once again in each others arms, breathless and exhausted, clinging on to each other as if they're afraid to let go. Pushing strands of hair out of her eyes, Chase leans in for another kiss, lips tracing their way along her jaw to the sensitive spot behind her ear and she shivers, burying her head in the crook of his neck. Running his fingers lightly through her chestnut curls, he breathes in her scent and sighs happily, rolling onto his back and pulling her close. She lies with her head on his chest, listening to his heart beating in time with hers. She looks up, blues meeting greens and she knows that now is the right time.
"Chase... I..." She groans and looks away, not quite finding the right words. Taking a breath, she finds his gaze again. "What I'm trying to say is – "
"It's ok." He tenderly covers her lips with his own, silencing her. Breaking away, he smiles.
"I love you too."
Remember, reviews are love. Any concrit is appreciated, but no flames :)