Mashed Mangoes

Hello everyone!

Sorry that it has been a while since I last updated, but it was pretty damn hard to get the ending here right. I wanted to fill it up but I'm not sure whether this just drags on too much. I'd like to hear what you think about it and whether it is a bit too long and tedious. Just so I know for the future.

Anyway this is Mashed Mangoes, and you really need to have read Squashed Strawberries to understand what's going on, but I'm not pressuring you to do it if you don't want to. Just, you'll probably be very confused -right from the beginning. This sequel is gonna be a little more exciting, maybe a little angsty in some parts than the previous story, but I promise that everything will end happily.

Thanks for reading my stories and thanks to those who review the last chapter of Squashed Strawberries especially. I love you all!

Martini xx

Maternity

The shrill cry of a newborn baby was a noise that could wake even the heaviest of sleepers. It was a sound that was incredibly high in pitch and sharper than any other human projection, even if the owner was small and soft. House however was not used to the sound of wailing and found the sudden experience more than a little heart wrenching. It took him a few moments to realise where he was and what he was doing in the small single bed. Curled around his side were the limbs of Cameron who too had woken abruptly to the cry and was in the midst of sitting up and wiping the sleep from her eyes. They both looked at one another with smiles on their lips before looking across to the crib that was situated next to the bed.

They continued to gaze for a few moments until they realised that Madeline was in fact still sleeping, and so was not responsible for the sound that had woken up her parents. Covered in the blankets she looked peaceful in all honesty and House couldn't help but chuckle. That was until the cry started again and he stopped once he'd spotted that their door had been left open. It was actually a baby from across the hall, which had decided to give its vocal cords a work out. He grunted angrily before pressing the button on the side of the bed listed as emergency call and pushing Cameron back down onto the pillows. It was only seconds before two midwifes ran in breathless.

"Dr. House? Is everything all right?"

"The baby next door needs seeing too." He muttered darkly. "And whoever left the door open is fired." The two women sighed before the senior of the two placed her hands on her hips, the other left to tend to the room opposite.

"Dr. House the emergency call button is to be used in an e-mer-gen-cy not just to call us over. An emergency is not when you require someone to shut the door or-"

"Please," House said with a roll of the eyes. "Spare me the story. I know what an emergency is and I also know that by pressing the attention button I would have been waiting here for ages. The baby who is crying obviously believes it is an emergency and I have decided it probably is too." She frowned but said nothing. "You can go now; the House clan is fine thank you." The midwife huffed and turned on her heels and left, sliding the door shut as she went.

House sighed thankfully and placed his head back on the pillow, spotting that Cameron was in fact already asleep once more. He wondered whether the midwives would actually appear if he called them again, they didn't exactly have the best of starts and his relationship with the maternity ward staff was strained at best. Since they had taken Madeline away briefly to be sponge bathed and to sleep a little in the nursery House had suddenly become protective of his daughter and demanded she stay in their room. He disliked the idea of knowing anyone could look at her through the glass window of the nursery.

She did not need to be goggled at.

Cameron sighed and grabbed his arm tightly before letting go and brushing her cheek against his shoulder. He turned his head sideways to look into her eyes and smiled. So she hadn't really fallen asleep before, but merely looked that way.

"Hey," he said softly.

"Hey," she replied before leaning to kiss him. "How is she?"

"Asleep and beautiful"

"Oh, of course she is. What time is it?"

"Just gone half-eight," House checked his watch again. "8:32," Since there was light pouring through the windows, Cameron knew then it was morning. After feeding Madeline at 10p.m. Cameron knew she'd been whisked away to be washed and fed again, before watching House argue that she should stay here. She'd fed her a few hours ago since then and knew they had some time before she would cry in hunger once more. She curled into his chest and smiled.

"This feels so unreal. I'm just waiting to wake up and find myself back in my bathroom last year watching the pregnancy test to show a negative sign." She smirked. "Maybe I fell on the tiles while I was waiting and was knocked unconscious. This could all be a comatose patient's dream."

"Unless I had I fell over at exactly the same time in my place, I can safely say this is all very real." She smiled and kissed him again, feeling her stomach somersault in excitement as he continued to assault her senses. He broke away suddenly and placed his forehead against hers. In the background, she heard the light whisper of a baby beginning to wince. She sighed too. "You get comfortable while I get the baby." He rolled over onto his back and rubbed his thigh before pulling it up and placing a foot on the ground. Taking a deep breath, he sat up quickly and leant over to the crib beside him. She was looking up expectantly; a certain look that showed she may, or may not, have recognised him. He pulled the blankets around her tiny frame and pulled her into his arms before scooting back to the headboard.

Cameron watched him attentively before opening her arms.

"Come to mommy, honey." She whispered to Madeline, to which House complied after issuing her a smirk of amusement at her words. She ignored him and instead let her suckle her breast and feed silently. House rested his head against hers while popping open the canister of pills that had been discarded on top of table last night. "Are you okay?"

He nodded and swallowed a couple.

"These cots were not designed to fit two people, especially if one has a bum leg." She backed off and looked at him apologetically.

"You could go home tonight if you want. Get some real rest"

"I'm fine." He persisted before brushing a hand across Madeline's chest. She looked at him with one open eye and House couldn't help but grin. While one of her hands clutched at her mother's skin, Madeline let her left hand move outwards, and when House moved his hand upwards she clutched the nearest finger before closing her eye once more.

"She either doesn't want you to do that, or she wants to know where you are." Cameron said before brushing her baby's hair that was dark and a little fluffy. "Don't worry I think it's the latter."

"She knows where I am." He said watching her again flicker her eyelids and gaze at him. As soon as she did so, she clutched his fingers harder before closing her eyes for a second time.

"Actually," Cameron said after watching her daughter carefully. "I think she's in love with your voice." House snorted.

"Yeah, because my voice is so comforting" Again Madeline repeated her actions without closing her eyes. Cameron chuckled.

"Why not? You are after all her daddy." House blushed but said nothing and continued to watch his little girl instead. She was wearing a tiny white onesie that allowed her bare chubby little legs to move freely. "Her eyes are still very much like yours you know"

"They can change. Maybe they'll be a greener blue -like yours."

"Perhaps..." After about five minutes or so, Madeline stopped nursing and was more interested in watching her parents. House noticed that it was probably the best time to burp her and wondered what the best way to go about it was since his leg was still aching. Fortunately, Wilson appeared in the doorway with a coffee in his hand and a warm smile on his face.

"How is everyone this morning?" He chirped while setting down his cup. House smiled.

"Jimmy, your timing is impeccable as always." House took her from Cameron's arms and put them into Wilsons'.

"Wha'?!" She whimpered uncomfortably.

"She needs to be burped." Wilson rolled his eyes, but found a cloth to place on his shoulder and patted her back gently.

"You do know that as a father this is your job?" House smiled at him but said nothing. Cameron readjusted her nightgown and reached over for a glass and the jug of water, pouring herself a cup-full before drinking it slowly. As soon as Madeline was finished, Wilson held her back in his arms and removed the cloth. She seemed happy again. "So how was her first night?"

House shrugged his shoulders.

"It was like I'd expected. She was hungry and poopy."

"I heard you've already upset the midwives." Cameron could not help but chuckle, and House smacked her lightly on the arm.

"Don't laugh. They'd placed her at the front of the nursery and so I made them move her back in here." Cameron laughed again and looked over to Wilson.

"He's so protective of her already, it's adorable really." Wilson twisted his mouth and let out a splutter of laughter. House growled.

"Give her back; you've just lost the right to hold her." He complied and watched House swaddle her tightly. "See what your dad has to put up with Mads? Everyone says Uncle Wilson is a nice person but he's not really." Again, she stared at him. "And your mother... well..."

"Speaking of mothers..." Wilson interjected while sitting in the armchair and picking his coffee back up. "House mom is arriving in approximately two hours, Cameron mom should be here in five."

"Two hours!" House blabbered with a pout. "Are you picking her up from the airport?"

"Of course"

"Dam-rn it." He self-corrected his language before smirking at Cameron. "At least we have a bit of time in between to get ready."

"Yeah... I'm going off to have a shower and clean up." She slowly stood up and hobbled across to the bathroom, taking some clean underwear and a fresh pair of pyjamas with her. House had the cot all to himself, and he took full advantage of it. Scooting to the middle, he leant against the headboard and let Madeline lie on his lap.

"I tell you what we haven't yet done..."

"And what's that?" Wilson asked curiously.

"Wet the baby's head, and we haven't smoked a cigar either." House shook his head in despair.

"To be fair House, you haven't left the maternity ward since Cameron went into labour... smoking a cigar here would be reckless even for you."

"Fine. Tonight," he pointed at Wilson. "You and me shall drink and smoke on our balcony." Wilson smiled.

"Okay... want me to bring the smokes dad?"

"Yeah and all the alcohol you can carry." He let out a breath and then looked down at Madeline who was staring at him. His little finger on his right hand stroked her cheek gently. House could feel his heartbeat hammering and stomach churning and realised he was still completely in awe of the miracle on his lap. There he was sitting where hundreds of fathers had sat before, but he felt like this was a unique experience. And it was, for him. Her feet were poking out from under the cover and he put his hand up against it, noting the incredibly small, but perfectly formed, shape of her sole and toes. House smiled and was about to speak only to find that someone else had beaten him to it.

"Excuse me, is this Al... Greg?" House and Wilson stared at the man who was holding a harvest basket covered in cellophane. The older doctor smiled genuinely before sitting up a little straighter.

"Daniel." House replied with a nod. "I... didn't expect... we didn't expect to see you so soon." Wilson arched his eyebrows, still confused a little by the interaction between his friend and the unknown visitor. That was until the bathroom door rebounded off the wall as it was opened and a clean Cameron quickly hobbled out to greet the man. It all fit when she hugged him tight.

"Daniel!" she squealed happily. "You're here, you're here!"

Daniel Cameron chuckled lightly and placed the basket on the side before her welcoming embrace crushed it.

"Would I miss the chance to see my new niece? ...Hmm?" He looked quizzically at Wilson, who returned the gesture before Cameron noticed the awkwardness and smiled.

"Oh, Daniel this is Wilson... he's House's best friend. Wilson this is my big brother Daniel. He rarely has a spare moment to visit anyone, so you can understand my surprise now he's here." Wilson waved while watching Cameron drag Daniel to the bedside. "And this is your niece, Madeline." Daniel beamed and looked down to inspect her closely. She in turn stopped watching her father and began watching the new pair of eyes inspecting her.

"My god, she's absolutely gorgeous Al."

"Would you seriously expect anything less?" House added with a smirk. "Wanna hold her?" Daniel nodded shyly before opening his arms to accept the bundle. Cameron rested her chin on her brother's arm and watched her carefully.

"Wow..." he said softly, watching her wriggle and turn her body to fit into his hold. "Mom is going to cry hysterically. You know that right?"

"I have a box of tissues at the ready on the side." She replied with a grin before leaning forwards to kiss her daughter. "What did you bring us?" Everyone in the room looked across to the basket while Daniel explained.

"I'm not totally 'in' on what's hot for new parents, or babies for that matter, but I saw some bits and pieces while in London last week. You can search through it all later."

"Are you kidding?" Cameron asked, already halfway across the room. She took the basket in both hands and moved back to the bed. House feigned annoyance and moved across so they could share. She quickly ripped open the clear packaging and found everything individually wrapped in pink paper, apart from a jar of organic 

breakfast marmalade from Fortnum and Masons. She chuckled lightly before twisting the lid and dipping her finger into the preserve and licking it clean. "Wow that's good."

House rolled his eyes and snatched the first present he was closest to and began to open it. Inside was a box of socks –each pair a different colour of the rainbow. He smiled before handing it to Cameron who cooed happily and commented on how small they were. Well, considering their daughter was smaller, it was not much of a surprise to House. However, he kept his thoughts to himself and looked back in the hamper.

"I think the bottle-shaped object is more to your liking." Daniel said softly with a sympathetic smile. House picked up the present, unwrapped the top, and grinned happily.

"I love you Daniel," he said spontaneously, causing Wilson to splutter the coffee he was about to swallow. Pulling off the rest of the wrapping, House held up the 28-year-old Scottish Whisky and waved it about excitedly. "Look Wilson, Drink"

"Well I never," Wilson said after wiping his chin and tie with a tissue. "Someone giving you alcohol as a present" House snorted.

"It's not just any bottle of alcohol; it's an original Glenmorangie single malt whisky." He tutted at Wilson's ignorance "You don't get to try any now." Cameron quickly hit House on the arm.

"Stop being mean to Uncle Wilson." He smirked at the affectionate term.

"Well he's got to stop being snarky first." He said childishly with a pout.

"I think we'll let that slide since it came from you," Cameron replied with a smirk. "Here, open something else, it'll keep you occupied." House took the present and tore at the tape before ripping the paper to shreds. Inside was a white t-shirt, which had a pink motorbike on the front and in tiny writing underneath it that said she was 'born to ride'. He laughed and showed Cameron.

"This is über-cool" He sat up and showed Madeline who was still lying in Daniel's arms. "Look Mads, a proper t-shirt at last. No more of this frilly, flowery stuff for you." She seemed to look at it, but she could have just been watching him. "She loves it." He folded it and placed it back in the basket, noticing that Cameron had ransacked the rest of the presents and was now opening the last package. Around her were a box of chocolates, two new bibs with cartoon sketches of Big Ben a red double-decker bus, a bottle of Cameron's favourite hand cream and a teddy bear dressed as a beefeater. Cameron held up the last present and smiled broadly. Getting up she quickly made it around the bed and hugged her brother and daughter tightly.

"This is why I don't mind you spending months away, because when you come back you give us the best presents."

"Ha! Seriously though Al, I'm glad you liked them." Madeline kicked out in her hold and wriggled a little. "I think she wants you." He passed her into his sister's arms who took her gladly.

"Hey sweetie" She said tenderly as she swayed to calm her. House watch with hidden pride, knowing deep down that Cameron was born to be a mother. He on the other hand, might need some more time to get into the swing of things. House realised that while Daniel was watching her, Wilson was busily watching his reaction. He looked at him but could not think of one flippant thing to say. Instead, he smiled at him before looking back at Cameron. Wilson stood up abruptly and threw the now empty coffee cup in the bin.

"I've got some work I must get done before picking up your mothers."

"Oh, what time is mom coming in?" Daniel asked. "Only I'm going back to the hotel to check-in and change, I came straight from the airport, so I might as well pick her up."

"She's not coming in till about two." He smiled and began a walk to the door.

"I'll pick her up then. See you guys in a few hours." He waved at House and Wilson, kissed his sister and niece before leaving.

"Well that helps." Wilson said with a shrug. "I'll see you later too." He also got up and left. House watched his daughter and Cameron sway gently at the end of the bed while he continued to lie on top of it. He took the hamper and placed all the presents inside before putting it on the nightstand, and threw the wrapping in the paper bin beside him. With his right hand, he patted the bed twice.

"Come sit down." She smiled and edged closer before handing Madeline over and getting in under the covers, House remained on top. She curled around his frame and snuggled her head into the space under his arm. He wrapped it around her tight and sighed. House looked at her and smiled. "I love you, Allison Cameron."

Her breathing hitched.

"I love you too, Gregory House" He lent down and kissed her on the mouth. When they broke away, Cameron couldn't help but giggle slightly since Madeline had been watching the entire time. "And I love you too Madeline." There was a knock at the door, and House stared at it intently before spotting a flock of blonde hair wave past the glass.

"Oh, here we go," He murmured, before passing Madeline to Cameron and getting up. Limping slowly across, without the aid of his cane, he slid open the door and was confronted with a giant bouquet and a similarly sized box of chocolates. Behind them were Chase and Foreman smiling innocently. "What do you want?"

"Uh... to see what you produced." Foreman said dryly, dropping the box to his side. "You know the bun that's been cooking in the oven for the last nine months, we heard it's done."

"Tsk. Are you serious?" House replied, while crossing his arms and blocking the path into the room. Chase tried a different approach.

"We heard she's gorgeous." He said with a smile. Unfortunately his boss's mood did not lighten, in fact his stance straightened and his eyelids narrowed.

"From who?"

"The... um..."

"Just let us see her House." Foreman said finally after watching his co-worker struggle with answering the question. House finally relented and paused to snatch the box of chocolates before heading back inside. Cameron looked up from stroking her daughter's cheek and glowed. "Hey Cameron" He whispered while heading over to the side of the bed. Chase did the same on the opposite side. House watched from a far, already munching on the chocolates.

"You must be Madeline." Chase said affectionately while reaching out to brush his fingers against her hand. She automatically grabbed it tight. "Hello baby"

"Is there an age limit to who you can charm?" House inquired gruffly while chewing on a toffee.

"Ignore him." Cameron said with a smirk. "He's just jealous that he hasn't got your attention." House poked his tongue out at her and she retaliated in the same way. Foreman remained engrossed on the youngest member of the room.

"She's lovely." He managed to say after some thought. "I still can't really understand how this happened. But I'm happy for you Cameron."

"Thank you Foreman."

"What, no happiness for me?" House asked, mid-chew.

Foreman pretended to contemplate for a moment.

"No." The two men smirked at each other before returning their gaze to Madeline. She was watching Chase who was waving his arms in front of her eyes and making cooing noises at her.

"I think all those hair products have gone to your head." House supplied while putting the chocolates beside the flowers before walking towards him. He flicked his hands back and forth repeatedly while sighing. "Come on, you've seen her, now you can go, go on."

Cameron rolled her eyes.

"I'll let you see her properly when he isn't here," she said while ignoring House glaring at her. The two fellows left quickly after the look snapped from her on to them and House returned to his original position on the bed.

"Now where were we?" He leant down and kissed her again, and Cameron could help but snigger.

"Greg, there's a baby in the room. Our baby, in my arms, is watching us." He groaned lightly and looked at his daughter.

"Way to spoil the mood, Mads." Her face was the picture of innocence. "Oh great, if she looks at me like that for the rest of her life, she'll get away with anything." Cameron chuckled and rested her cheek on his shoulder. They watched their daughter begin to fall asleep in her arms, her little eyelids growing heavier by the second meant she could only put up a fight for so long. She quickly settled and her breathing evened out. House brushed a loose hair from Cameron's face. "Want me to put her down for bit?"

"Okay." House transferred her from her mother's arms, to his, and then to the bassinet beside him without a murmur. It took a minute or two for House to get comfortable again, but soon all three of them were asleep.

Two hours passed before Cameron heard the sound of movement around her. She heard the faint chattering of a few people just outside their room and glanced through the glass door. Outside stood Wilson and Blythe House talking animatedly. She turned slowly on the bed and nudged House, hoping to wake him up gently. He did not stir, so she jabbed him a little harder, to which he grunted at before opening one eye.

"Wha'?"

"Your mother is outside the door."

"Uh-huh" He sighed and closed his eye again, before quickly reopening it and staring directly at her. This time his voice was a lot clearer. "What did you say?"

"I said: your mother is outside the door." He groaned loudly before wiping his eyes with his right hand.

"I can't wait to go home." He whispered in her ear before sitting up a little and watching her do the same. "Then we can lock the door." She smiled knowingly as they spotted the sliding door re-open and Wilson usher Blythe in with an open hand. She quickly moved to the bed and brushed her eyes. She had already started crying. "Hey mom" House said with a warm smile.

"Greg... Allison" She replied before staring at the cot. "How are you feeling?"

"Great," He noticed that his mother had stopped looking at them ages ago. "How was your flight?"

"Yes." He scrunched his nose up and smirked at Cameron. Blythe turned to them suddenly realising she had not heard what her son had said, but had answered anyway. "Sorry," she apologised with a smile before looking back at Madeline, edging closer to the cot. "Is that my granddaughter?" House nodded and suddenly felt a splurge of happiness.

"Sure is," She leaped the last two steps and found herself looking over the sleeping baby girl, tears already in her eyes again.

"Oh Greg darling, she's absolutely beautiful." Wilson waved, mentioning he had work to do, and left the room. The new grandmother brushed the soft skin of Madeline's face. "I can't believe it really, Greg you're a daddy." House rolled his eyes, but noticed that Cameron was leaning against him with a smile that suggested she agreed with his mother. "And, I'm Grandma Blythe." She started to cry again, while laughing. "Oh look at me," she whispered her eyes with a tissue. A tear seeped through his shirt then, so he knew Cameron had started crying too. Blythe noticed this and quickly made it to her side of the bed. The two mothers embraced tightly. 

House could not help but feel very awkward at the mass expression of emotions. He stood up, gathered Madeline in his arms before limping around the bed to his mom, and smiled.

"I thought you might like to hold her." Blythe turned to her son and gathered her granddaughter in her arms. She leant forwards and kissed House on the cheek softly.

"I'm so proud of you Greg. So very proud" The room was silent while everyone watched Blythe relate with Madeline, who was still sleeping soundly. "You know," she muttered after a while. "You were a wonderful baby. A terrible two year-old, but the most wonderful baby. You would spend hours just watching everyone and everything interact. I knew then that you wanted to know how everything worked, you were born inquisitive." She paused to chuckle at a memory. "So by the time you could walk and talk you had to touch everything, pull things apart to see how they worked. I remember you pulling all the dials of the radio until they came off and you then hiding the evidence in the yard." Cameron exchanged a smile with House, and he knew how much she was enjoying an insight into his childhood. Secretly, he enjoyed it too. He had forgotten most of the happy memories. Blythe turned to her. "Do you remember when I bought you that operation game for Christmas? You completed it all on your first try, so you took it apart instead."

Cameron chuckled and he smirked.

"Hey, I couldn't help that I was exceptionally good at board games."

"Right," she replied light-heartedly. "You have an operation game in your office, is it the same one?"

"No." House said defensively. "No, I took it apart so well, that... well... you couldn't put it back together again." Blythe smiled, but said nothing as she was too busy watching Madeline slowly wake up in her arms. The baby girl puckered her lips and managed to spit out a little dribble that woke her up suddenly. She yawned before looking around.

"Hello Madeline," Blythe cooed softly. "Aren't you the prettiest little girl? Yes, I think you are! I bet you've been getting lots and lots of attention from everyone who works here." She looked back up to House. "I've heard you're already throwing your weight around in the maternity ward." House scratched the back of his neck with his hand and shrugged sheepishly. Cameron laughed.

"No more than normal, Blythe" She said smiling. "He thinks that he can boss everyone around, but this little one has had him up and down doing things for her more than anyone else. She is only one day old and she already has him wrapped around her finger." Blythe smiled at looked back at her son who was now trying to ignore them by looking at his daughter.

"I can understand that." Blythe said. She passed Madeline back over to House and stepped around him to sit down in the chair. "You're a natural Greg," She added while watching her son gently sway as he held her close to his chest. He looked up and immediately stopped swaying, a look of embarrassment clearly etched on his face. When he noticed that Cameron was snuggled comfortably in the pillows, he decided to hand her over again. Her little legs kicked out impatiently while being handed over, and as soon as she touched the duvet, she began grabbing at Cameron's fingers.

"Feisty today, aren't you Mad's?" Cameron said softly watching her daughter stare around the room. Mother and baby stared at each other inquisitively, while Grandmother and Father watched from a far. It was not long before Blythe started talking about some tricks of the trade that had been passed on from Cousin Mel, and House began to tap out a simple beat on his cane before sitting down in the chair and relaxing slightly. No more than five minutes had passed before House had fallen asleep and was snoring lightly with his head sandwiched into the corner of the armchair. Cameron rearranged Madeline so that she was now lying on her chest, gently suckling on the bare skin of her neck once more while watching her grandmother talk to her.

"Your daddy must be awfully tired for him to fall asleep in the chair." Blythe whispered while holding out her hand to entertain the baby. Cameron nodded.

"I don't think he slept well here, but he's so stubborn that he won't go home tonight and have a proper night's sleep." She brushed her daughter's hair with her palm. "At least he's got a month's paternity leave."

"Well that is good." Blythe cleared her throat and sighed before looking at her son sadly. "John wants to speak to him, but he doesn't know what to say." Cameron looked at her intently. "I can tell that he finally accepts that he's in the wrong... which in itself is a miracle. When I told him he was a grandfather, he went to office and didn't come out. I think he's truly sorry Allison, I just wish they would speak to one another."

"I'm not sure Greg would help" Cameron replied honestly, reflecting on the night House had told her everything. "He doesn't want to see him... and," She cleared her throat and lowered her voice a little. "I can understand why."

Blythe nodded in agreement.

"It may take some more time before John can summon up the courage. Until then," She smiled at Madeline. "I'll have to give you twice the amount of attention, won't I?" Cameron jiggled her lightly while supporting her head and found her giving a look of appreciation, of sorts -a step away from a smile. It made Cameron glow inside and out with her stomach flipping in joy. She couldn't help but grin along at her daughters amusement.

The time passed quickly for everyone in the House suite, and soon Cameron could see the glass door slide back open and her brother and mother come inside. House remained asleep in the chair and Daniel found it amusing to see.

"So Daddy House is all tired out, is he?" he said quietly, while heading over to the far side of the bed. Blythe stood up automatically and greeted Helen with a hug.

"It looks as much," Blythe replied. "You must be Daniel. I'm Greg's mother, Blythe." They hugged as Helen sat by her daughter's hip on the bed and looked at Madeline who was lazily watching everyone while her mother stroked her back soothingly.

"Allison she's wonderful, absolutely perfect." She said before touching the smooth skin of her cheek. "I can't believe it... Madeline sweetie," she whispered hoping that she'd notice that she was being spoken too, "I'm Grandma Helen." Then she burst into tears. Allison chuckled knowingly while reaching out to tap her shoulder.

"You can hold her if you like; she's just had a feed and was changed an hour ago. She'll probably fall asleep now." Helen brushed her eyes with a tissue before reaching out and clutching the newborn in her lap, feeling Madeline move slightly so she could suck her thumb. Instead, however the little girl yawned widely and let her fingers fall on to her chest. "You're tiny aren't you honey?" Earlier when she was changed, Madeline had been put into a larger sleeper, this time one that covered her arms, legs and feet. It was white with a rainbow on the chest and a rainbow stripe down each leg. Although it was still too big for her, with space by her toes and around her midriff, she looked extremely comfortable. Madeline breathed out a couple of frothy bubbles before closing her eyes clutching her fists. She almost instantly fell asleep.

"Have you slept well Allison?" she whispered, knowing for sure that the baby in her arms was now asleep. Cameron shrugged.

"I slept as well as I thought I would, I had to feed her a couple of times, but the nurses came in to change and burp her. Then I also slept for about two hours before Blythe came in. I'm okay mom, I know that the next few months will be tiring though."

"Yeah they will." Helen answered honestly. "But you won't want to swap it for a thing. How is Greg taking it all?" Cameron looked over to where he was sleeping peacefully and smiled.

"Better than I could have ever imagined, he's addicted to her I think. In fact he made the nurses bring her in so she wasn't in the nursery last night." Helen beamed happily and looked down at Madeline.

"Madeline you are very lucky indeed." She looked up at Daniel. "When are you going to father me one, Danny?"

"Yeah Dan," Cameron joked. "I wanna be an Aunty."

"Well you can put that on the backburners Al, it's not happening anytime in the near future." Both of the female Camerons moaned unhappily. "I'm serious!" The titter of laughs that the Camerons and Blythe responded with woke House up slowly as he didn't really want to move at all. Opening his right eye his gaze lingered over the new people in the room before sighing softly and rolling his shoulders. Cameron noticed him first and smiled sympathetically.

"Oh sorry Greg, did we wake you?" She asked as he sat up a little more and felt his pocket for Vicodin, only pausing when Helen turned around to greet him properly. He shook his head and left the vial where it was.

"It's alright; I shouldn't sleep too long in the chair anyway. Hello Grandma Cameron"

"Hey Greg... we did wake you didn't we? Oh, we should go and leave you three for a while." He noticed that Madeline was asleep in her arms.

"Oh no you don't need to, I'm gonna go and get a coffee and a Ruben anyway."

"Nonsense," Blythe said, agreeing with Helen. "I'll grab you one when we go down and get something to drink ourselves. Allison said you didn't sleep that well last night." House looked at Cameron who shrugged innocently. He gave in quickly on feeling his leg twitch with impatience.

"As long as it doesn't have any pickles..." His mom grinned and stood up.

"I know, no pickles... extra cheese with thousand island dressing on marbled rye." House smirked at his mother's knowledge.

"You do know it's a hospital canteen don't you?" Helen put Madeline down in the cot as instructed by Cameron and the two Grandmas and Uncle left quietly. As soon as the door slid closed House hobbled across to the bed, popped two pills and crashed out on top of the covers next to Cameron. He yawned before settling his head onto the pillows while she remained sitting upright with her fingers combing through his hair.

"Tired much?"

"A little" Cameron sighed.

"You're in pain. Want me to massage it for you?" He looked up instantly and smiled devilishly. "Your leg Greg; your leg"

"If you want." He closed his eyes once more, which meant that he did want her to work her magic and soothe the throbbing thigh muscle. Actually, she enjoyed doing it and so rubbed her hands together before brushing over the jeans slowly. He rolled on to his back giving her a little more access and felt the mild relief of the welcoming warmth. "You are incredibly good at that." He murmured after five or so minutes causing Cameron to blush lightly.

"I'm glad I can help." She felt him touch her hip that was covered in a large t-shirt and begin to circle his fingers slowly. "What are you doing?" His fingers glided further down towards the hem. "You do know we're in a hospital?"

"Duh" He mumbled before opening his eyes. He spotted that as she had leant over to massage his thigh her shoulder was bare and close enough to kiss. He sprung his head up to do just that. She giggled lightly and stopped her massage. The Vicodin had done its job, which meant he was awake again. He continued to kiss her shoulder and neck and she slid next to him and returned the favour by kissing him back on the lips.

"Guys please... you're daughter shouldn't have to see that." They both groaned on hearing Wilson's voice before kissing once more and separating. House remained on his back while Cameron sat up slightly. Wilson stood in the doorway and smiled. "I've just seen your mothers and Cameron's brother in the cafeteria, they were practically glowing."

"So you thought that rather than leave us alone you should come and watch us make out. Fine choice Jimmy" He shook his head and sighed.



"Actually I wanted to pop in and tell you that there's been someone trying to get hold of you at your office, Foreman told them you were away, but they seemed persistent."

"Well they can carry on calling my office, it isn't disturbing me." The birthing suite's phone shrilly rang out in the little room just as he finished speaking. "So he gave them this number to call?" He growled angrily before staring at the phone and continuing to let it ring.

"So you're going to be mature about it and just stare at the damn thing?"

"Sure." He watched it until he heard the whimper of a baby getting a little more annoyed than he was. Cameron hit him on the arm and leaned over to comfort Madeline. "Fine, but if this is a stalker I'm giving them your address." He gave Wilson a look before picking up the handset. "Yes?" The response was not what he was expecting and he swallowed slowly, reached for his cane, and left the bed and room as fast as he could. On turning the corner of the corridor and into a more secluded part of the floor, he leant against the wall and let out a breath.

"I didn't think you wanted to talk to me, Dad."

Well.

Dun dun dun! Ouch. Grandpa House is back. :D So what did you think? Love you all xx