Breaking Point:

Homecoming

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A/N: Thanks for joining me on my newest journey! Another "what if" scenario post S5. This is much darker than my previous work, but, as always, there will be a happy ending. The story does contain what could potentially be a sensitive subject to some people, but not one that generally has a warning (no rape, violence, or character death). If you're concerned, you can message me.

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Unnecessary disclaimer: None of the characters appearing in the TV show "House, M. D." belong to me.

Abstract: When House returns from Mayfield, things have changed. What happens when he tries to bring things back into his control? House/Cameron.

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House knew something odd was going on when Wilson and Cuddy came together to pick him up from Mayfield.

There was something awkward about the interactions between the three of them. Something had changed and he couldn't put his finger on it.

They dropped House off at his apartment on Saturday afternoon after a stilted lunch at the mid-priced chain between Mayfield and home. When Wilson went back to the car for House's things, House cornered Cuddy.

"Do you want to go out for a drink sometime?" he asked her.

Several expressions crossed Lisa Cuddy's face. House noted surprise, regret, and guilt. "I'm seeing someone," she said softly.

House just nodded.

"Ready to go home, Lisa?" Wilson asked, oblivious as he came up to the pair now standing in uncomfortable silence. Wilson pulled Cuddy towards the car with an arm wrapped loosely around her waist. Neither he nor Dr. Cuddy noticed the shock and betrayal that registered on House's face as he came to the realization.

House shut the door and turned to face his empty apartment, a stabbing feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Welcome home.

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"Dr. Foreman has been running the diagnostics department in your absence," Dr. Cuddy said by way of reorienting House on his first day back. She spoke while making her rounds through the hospital, forcing him to limp along behind. "The board of directors has requested that he oversee you for a trial period until you get your bearings here again."

"They want to make sure I'm not still crazy," House said quietly.

Cuddy stopped on a dime and turned to face him with pity in her eyes. "I'm sorry, House," she said.

She turned away again just as quickly. "Anything else you need to know about, you can ask Foreman."

They split their separate ways as they entered the clinic. House began to head towards the elevators when he noticed a crowd.

"What's going on over there?" he asked a nearby nurse. House stared at the group, noticing Cameron at its center. She was brunette again. At least something was going his way.

"Oh, you haven't heard?" the gossipy nurse asked with a grin.

House shook his head.

"Dr. Cameron just announced the other day that she and Dr. Chase are expecting."

The news hit House like a ton of bricks. He had always considered Cameron his, in a way. Even when she didn't work for him, on some level he felt like he owned her. He told himself he didn't really want her. But it bothered him on some level, that was for sure. He told that part of him to shove it.

"Dr. House," Cameron acknowledged, noticing him watching from across the room. The crowd around her dissipated.

"The slightly more feminine Dr. Chase. And by slightly, I mean very slightly," House responded with a nod and half-hearted snark.

"That's not my name, House," she said with an eye roll. "How are you feeling?" she added.

"Fine," House responded curtly. Cameron took the hint.

"I'm glad to hear that," she replied sincerely, not pressing for more. "See you around." She turned to walk off.

"Cameron," he called. She turned back with a questioning look. "Congratulations," he said gruffly.

She nodded a response with a small smile and headed off. House headed to the elevators himself. Enough changes for one day. It was time to get back to something familiar.

House got in the elevator and took the short ride up to his floor. He entered the conference room with a flourish. "Daddy's back, children. Playtime's over."

Foreman looked up at him from his newspaper with a raised eyebrow. Taub gave a half-hearted smile, and Thirteen looked bored, as always. The room looked the same, and House let out a sigh of relief. Until he noticed the person in front of the coffeemaker. She was petite, with beautiful brown hair that cascaded down her back. Cameron? But had just seen her… What was she doing up here?

"What—" House began, but was stopped short when the woman turned around.

"I'm Leah Jakovich," she said nervously, extending a hand towards him. A timid smile crossed her features.

House ignored the hand and turned towards the table. "Who the hell—"

"Cuddy gave me leave to hire another fellow," Foreman said calmly. "LJ has a great resume. There's a copy of her credentials on your desk."

House glared in fury. "This is my department," he emphasized. "I make the hiring decisions."

He stormed into his office, slamming the door behind him. He watched from the other side of the glass as the new girl ran off, nearly in tears. He didn't care. Everything was wrong.

He had thought the day he left for Mayfield was the worst day of his life. He had been wrong.

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A/N: A little overdramatic? Possibly. :) But we all know how much House dislikes change.