"We're colleagues, not friends."
His words hit her like a bullet. He'd said that, just months ago. And now, here they were, sending each other secret glances; contemplating what had happened the night before. Had that really happened? Everything was such a blur, the dinner, the drinks, the sex…almost unbelievable until you think about it. They didn't even talk about it. Never. Not once. It seemed as though they were embarrassed. Maybe that's not the right word. Ashamed, almost. House didn't even know. Astounding, isn't it? It was probably the way they hid it so well. Discreet relationship. That's what they had. It wasn't a charity case, like her and House's non-existent relationship. Not the broken almost-could've-been-but-wasn't relationship she'd had with Chase. They were just…normal, if you could call it that. They also didn't talk about the past relationships they'd had with other people. That was a rule. He never asked her about Chase, she never asked him Rosie…or whatever her name was. But, she had to admit, the sex was good. He was slow, gentle, whereas her experience with Chase was…hard, fast and messy. She wasn't in her right mind then. At least, that's what she'd tell herself. The meth messed it up. Everything after that was awkward. But she didn't want to think about it anymore. House didn't even look at them. All of his attention was on the whiteboard. Either he didn't see them or he just ignored them, for some odd reason.
He didn't even know why he'd said that. They were friends; at least, in his mind they were. He knew he'd had a good reason for saying it then, but now? It just seemed pointless. He'd said it to cover up his feelings. Which was odd for him, he was usually straightforward with everyone: House, Chase, his past girlfriends, his friends. But why now, why her? Maybe he was afraid she'd get hurt…that she'd crumble. But he didn't even think about it when he'd said that. As he saw her face, the expression that'd she'd given him, he almost wished he didn't say it. The sadness in her eyes was devastating, he almost stopped her. He had to bite his lip to keep from crying out. Now, months later, he'd finally gotten the courage to ask her out. She'd seemed a bit suspicious about it…after the whole Naelgleria thing…she thought maybe it was guilt that drove him to ask her out. His expression softened, and she knew he was serious. Their relationship was good now. He'd never asked her about Chase, he knew it was too fragile of a subject. She knew she'd messed up and vowed never to do it again. She kissed him with such gentleness. The memory of kissing Chase so hungrily, and nipping his lip, leaving a scar there forever had also scarred her. She was afraid of hurting him, like she did Chase. She kissed Foreman like he was a fragile piece of glass. Like any little bit of pressure, even just the slightest bit, he would break. He didn't really mind much, because that's how he treated her. But, on his behalf, she actually would break. Well, emotionally, anyway. But he didn't really mind. She was perfect just the way she was. He wouldn't change anything about her.
"Foreman and Cameron, go test for Lupus." House said, pointing his cane out the door.
"It's not Lupus," Cameron and Foreman said in unison. They caught each other's eye and smiled.
"Go. Now." He said, ushering both of them out the door. They sighed and walked toward the patient's room. Foreman stole a quick kiss from Cameron before they walked into the room. She smiled. They'd sure come a long way.