Title: Just Like That
Prompt: 2.13 – Heart for 50scenes
Summary: And just like that, it began. Our favorite memories of the House/Cameron relationship.
Beta: Thanks to GabbyAbby for her input and nymphsdeparted for the grammar help. You two are so amazing.
A/N: This was written for the Summer of Love fic-a-thon over at HouseCameron. I am writing for faithchaos who requested strong!Cameron, loving!House, and memories. She didn't want House saying "I love you", House being cruel, or OOC!House. Other than my slightly liberal interpretation of memories, I pretty sure it's what she wanted.
A name said softly, confidently. An outstretched hand that he refuses to shake. It's one hell of an introduction. And just like that, it began.
It's a very sad thing, an un-calibrated centrifuge. The tears shine in her eyes. He's curious about the puzzle she presents; her pieces don't quite fit together. And just like that, he knows she's as broken as he is.
The smell of truck exhaust. The taste of cotton candy. This time her eyes shine as she smiles and he can't help but smile back. It's a sweet memory, the best thousand dollars he's ever spent. And just like that, he wants more.
A knock on the door, and another outstretched hand that he still won't shake. She's pretty in blue; it echoes the sadness in her eyes. He doesn't know what to say; he can't even look at her. And just like that, he lets her walk away.
Her palm is warm, soft against his. Getting her back feels like a small victory, but it isn't just because he doesn't want to hire anyone else. His concession: a date. He'll screw it up but it doesn't matter because she's coming back. Her grasp is gentle and he doesn't want to let go, not again. And just like that, he gets another chance.
A long glance over the conference table. Black walnut and ginger tea. He stands too close as he tears her apart with his words. But her words hurt just as much. What does she mean, that he could never lover her. This is what they are. And just like that, it's not enough.
A sweet kiss, despite her deceitful intentions. She doesn't back down, not when he calls her on it, not when he pushes her away, not when he presses for more. She's come to expect this from him. It's what she wants, so she kisses him again, this time not hiding anything. And just like that, she's his.
The words don't really come out of his mouth, not the ones she really wants to hear anyways. Instead, he mutters them in kisses pressed against her skin. She still has trouble believing the promises traced there. He was the one that said everyone lied, after all. And just like that, he can feel her slipping away.
The offer comes in from another hospital. It's a better job, her own department, everything she should want. Still he says nothing. The words stick in his throat; she deserves something better than him. He wants to hold on harder, but doesn't know how to give her what she needs. The bitterness of self-disgust eats at him. And just like that, she has no reason to stay.
A few misplaced words, yelled in anger. A silly argument really, but it serves to hide the larger issue. He pushes a bit too hard, says some things he really doesn't mean. Then there are no words at all. And just like that, he lost everything.