Consolation

House had been worse than usual, ever since their date. Dr. Cameron now regretted giving him an ultimatum like that. She was desperate. What had started out as a fun little crush had grown into something she couldn't really handle anymore. She had to know how he really felt. She had to stop letting herself be led on by his peculiar charms.

Alison would love to go out with Dr. House again. She thought she could make him happy. Every once in a while she caught a glimpse of the man he could be, with her help. Suddenly she stopped herself. She was lost in thought again. She looked around at the cold, clinical lab around her. If she was going to succeed in the world of medicine, she was going to have to let go of some of her romantic dreaming.

Maybe House was right. Maybe all she really wanted him for was to fix him. She had never met a more broken soul than his. It made her sad to see him so miserable. She thought of what he could be. She was starting to realize that he would never be that man. He didn't want to be that man. It was time to move on.

"Alison", she said to herself sternly, "get over it. He doesn't want you. He doesn't deserve you."

"who doesn't want you?"

The voice startled her, and she spun around to see who it was, knocking over the microscope and test tubes she'd been working on.

"Oh, Dr. Wilson," she began putting things back in order on the table. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that."

"I didn't know I was," he smiled, walking into the room. "Is House around?" He helped her straighten up the microscope. He took a look through the lense. "What's this?"

"Mr. Abernathy's blood. House wants it tested for everything." She was more relaxed now. Dr. Wilson was a very calming influence. She was glad that House had a friend like him.

"House likes to cover all his bases." She cringed at yet another boys club style sports reference. "Did you test for TTP?"

"Of course."

"Von Willbrand"

"Check."

Wilson continued naming off every random disease he could think of, and Cameron confirmed that she was checking for them all. "He's even got me checking for the Black Plague." She laughed.

Wilson laughed too. He had a nice laugh. "I wouldn't put it past him." He paused as if he wanted to say more. "Well, can you just let him know I'm looking for him."

"Of course."

Wilson left, and Alison went back to work with renewed concentration. Her mind was now off House, for a little while at least.

Wilson went back to his office. He had wanted to talk to House. He needed someone to complain to, and for all House's faults, he was always there to listen to Wilson's problems, especially when they were about his love life.

House seemed to live vicariously through his friend Wilson, especially when it came to romance. Wilson was certainly active enough for both of them, and around House, he didn't have to hide it. He didn't have to pretend he was happily married, didn't have to pretend he had it all.

Most people would be envious of Dr. James Wilson, MD. He had a great job, did what he loved, and made good money. He was a good looking man, so he'd been told, and was in great physical condition. He had a loving wife at home who cooked and cleaned and doted over him. Why wasn't that enough for him?

He just seemed to pick the wrong women. Julie was great. She was sweet and kind and beautiful. But there was something missing. There was no real spark. She was too accommodating, too eager to please. Most men would jump at a woman like that, Wilson did, at first. Now he was just bored.

"You wanted to see me Doctor?" House said, lingering in the doorway.

"Come on in." Wilson visibly perked up. "Have a seat."

"what's up?" House asked, putting his feet up on the desk and whipping out his trusty Gameboy.

"Julie is on me again about having a baby. She thinks it will save our marriage."

"Will it?" House didn't look up from his game. He was jumping around in his seat. "Damn." He exclaimed, and then put the game down. "I thought you wanted kids."

"I did, I do. I just don't know if I want them…" he didn't want to say it himself.

"With her?" House came to his rescue.

"Yeah." Wilson looked deflated. He picked up the Gameboy House had left on the desk and started playing a game. House watched him for a moment in that probing way House watched people.

"Have you told her that?"

"No."

"Jeez, slow down there, let me get a word in." house kidded. "I thought you wanted to talk."

That was enough to send James Wilson into a long tirade about his broken marriage. House listened as intently as was possible, having plucked the Gameboy out of his friends hand, and finishing the game for him.

When Wilson was finished. House looked at him and shook his head. "You are in deep sht my friend."

"Oh, thank you, House, that's real helpful. I was hoping for something a bit more sage."

"Hmmm, you want something sage then." House thought for a moment. "I have a recipe for sage chicken."

"I think Julie already has that one." Wilson answered in resignation.

There was a sound at the door, and both men turned. Dr. Cuddy was standing there, looking at them like a spinster teacher looking at a couple of naughty schoolboys. They each pointed at the other, and in unison said," He did it!" She smiled at them tolerantly.

"I don't care which one of you did it," she joined in on their little joke, "just fix it." She turned to walk away.

House couldn't help but goad her on. "But Wilson said you like it like that."

"Wilson doesn't know how I like it." With that she was gone. They had managed to avoid whatever it was she really wanted to talk to them about. She must have realized it, because they saw her pause just outside the door before disappearing down the hall.

"Dodged that bullet." Wilson said, pretending to wipe the sweat of his brow with his sleeve.

"You don't know how she likes it?" House pondered. "Hmm, no wonder she's been so moody lately."

"Yeah, that couldn't have anything to do with your date with Dr. Cameron."

"She thought it was a great idea." House thought for a moment, and then acted like he had just had an epiphany. "Maybe she was interested in a threesome. I'd better ask her later."

"You're such a stud." Wilson nearly burst out laughing as he said it. House mocked a hurt look. Having taken the tangent as far as they could, their conversation turned to medical matters.

The day dragged on. Dr. Cameron was still working on those blood tests. She didn't know what House expected to find, but she hoped he found it soon. He seemed to be avoiding her. It was probably best that way. Out of sight, out of mind. Well, he was out of sight, but he was still on her mind.

"Daydreaming again, Dr. Cameron," House came up behind her, closer than he should. For a moment, she enjoyed the heat coming off his body, but she wasn't going to let him do this to her anymore.

With new resolve, she stepped aside. "Would you like to look at some of the results," she said, seeing the surprise in his eyes. He thought I would just stay there and swoon, she thought to herself. She was proud of herself.

"Yes, great." House said, not even bothering to look. "Do you have anything yet?" She had hurt his feelings. She could feel his grip on her loosening. I just have to keep strong, she thought, and I will be over him soon enough.

"Everything is clean so far." She spoke as professionally as possible.

"Great."

"Dr. House," she felt herself slipping. She was going to make one last attempt. She couldn't help herself. "Is anything wrong?"

"No," he snapped, and walked out.

That's it, she thought to herself. I can't do this to myself anymore. She followed him out the door. "Dr. House," she called. He tried to speed up, but she wasn't going to feel sorry for him this time. She caught up with him and addressed him again. "Dr. House, I need to talk to you."

He looked at her, his bright blue eyes pleading with her not to do it. "Of course you do."

"Dr. House. I told you that I wanted one last chance to see if we had anything." House made a sort of grumbling noise, but Alison ignored him and went on. "Well, you gave me that chance, at dinner. I thought you were trying too hard to make it a miserable date. Maybe I was right. Maybe you are pushing me away to protect yourself from getting hurt. I don't know. I still care about you House…" he grumbled louder this time, "but I know that we will never be a couple. I guess what I am saying is, you're free. You're off the hook. You don't have to play your little games anymore. If you have anything to ask me, do it now. After this, I want a respectful, professional relationship without all this baggage."

She waited. House just looked at her as if she had just grown a second head. He was clearly stunned. "Well?" She persisted. She wasn't going to let him off the hook until the air was cleared between them.

"What do you want me to say? Do you want me to collapse into your arms, beg you not to give up on me? Am I supposed to sweep you into my arms and give you a long, passionate kiss?"

Yes, yes, yes… she screamed inside her own head. "I just want you to know that I am no longer in love with you."

"Just like that?" He said.

"No, not just like that!" Her voice was starting to rise. He was getting to her. She tried so hard to keep her temper in check, but he was getting into the cracks, trying to pry her apart. She wouldn't let him. She had to keep control. "I have given you every opportunity to explore the feelings between us…" he started to say something but she cut him off, "And don't try and say there are no feelings there. I am not delusional. I know the difference between a hopeless crush and mutual attraction. You are attracted to me. You always have been." Again he made a motion to protest, again she cut him off. "I don't know why you don't want to pursue this, but I am going to respect your decision. I am going to back off. It is over."

"Are you done?" His face held no expression. Had she read him wrong all along? Or was this just another devise to protect himself from getting hurt.

"Yes," she snapped, not meaning to. She was getting frustrated. She hadn't intended on getting so emotional. She wanted to clear the air, and now she feared she had made things worse. "I just want this all to end."

"So do I." He said simply. "Thank you for your heartfelt honesty." She couldn't tell if he was mocking her or if he truly meant it. She decided it didn't matter. She had spent too much time trying to read his every word, his every gesture. It was time to regain control of her life.

"You are welcome." She held out her hand to him. Last time she had made this gesture, he had denied her. This time she was happy to see that he took her hand in his and shook it firmly. That seemed to cement the deal. They were over, before they could ever start. She felt a tinge of remorse amongst her great relief.

Dr. Wilson looked down at his beeping pager. It was from House. He had a hot female patient in the clinic and needed a "consult". This was a code 8008. They had codes to differentiate between actual consultations and the sort of unusual cases. Wilson rushed out of his office, and headed down to the clinic, passing Dr. Cuddy on his way.

"What's the rush?" She asked quickly.

"House needs an emergency consult." He spoke as he hurried past. He didn't want Cuddy stopping him and pumping him for info.

"Sure he does," she said, half under her breath so he could hardly hear her. He could feel her rolling her eyes, even though he couldn't see her face anymore.

"I'm here," Wilson rushed into the room, "what seems to be the problem?" His eyes widened to the size of saucers. There on the hospital bed was a woman with the largest breast he had ever seen. The real shocker was the fact that he recognized the woman. It took a second to figure out where, but then he remembered the private bachelor party House had thrown for him when he married Julie. It was just the two of them, and a collection of the choicest porn videos. This woman had been the star of most of them.

"Thank you," he whispered to House. "I needed this."

House smiled. "I thought you might." He whispered back. Then, in his regular voice he spoke again. "She hasn't had a breast exam because of the size issue, says it hurts too much, but I need to make sure there is no chance of a tumor."

Wilson and House debated medical issues, while ogling the woman sitting in front of them. She seemed to have no problem sitting bare-chested before the two men. She must know they were checking her out.

"ah-hem", a voice behind them tried for their attention. They turned to find Dr. Cameron standing in the doorway. "Dr. Cuddy would like to see you both in her office." Then she turned to the patient, "I am Dr. Cameron. I will be taking over your case." She handed the woman a hospital gown, "you can put this on for now.

The two men looked crestfallen. House walked away mumbling under his breath, "I'm gonna kill Cuddy for this." Wilson just put his head down and walked out.

Why did he feel so guilty. If Cuddy had walked in on something like that, which she frequently did, he wouldn't have felt half this guilty. So what was it about Dr. Cameron that made him feel like a dirty old man right now. He knew the answer, but he tried to hide it from even himself.

The hospital cafeteria was full. Dr. Cameron usually ate with Chase and Foreman, but they were off on some illegal search and seizure job for House. She looked around for someone she knew. She saw Dr. Wilson at a table toward the back of the dining room. A group of doctors had just left his table, so she walked over. "Are they coming back?" She asked.

"No, go ahead and sit down," he motioned to one of the empty chairs.

"Thanks." She smiled at him. "How are you?" She asked between bites. She'd noticed that Dr. Wilson wasn't his usual jovial self lately. She wondered what was wrong.

"The home life isn't as great as it could be," he tried to sound casual, but she could hear the hurt in his voice.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Her concern was growing. She'd heard the rumours about Dr. Wilson. He was a player, he had been married three times, and had cheated on his other wives. She didn't condone his behaviour at all, but she knew him, and couldn't see him as a bad man. He was just deeply troubled.

"Do you know a good divorce lawyer." He laughed halfheartedly.

"You shouldn't make jokes. This is serious. What went wrong?"

"Have you got a few days." He was joking again, but when he saw the look on her face he apologized and started pouring his heart out.

Cameron listened intently. It had been a long time since anyone had listened so closely to what he had to say. Before he knew it, the words were just falling out of his mouth. "Julie doesn't do anything on her own…she's always asking me what I am doing, where I am…she doesn't understand that a doctor is on call, there are times when I won't be home for supper…I know she doesn't trust me because I have cheated in the past…I cheated on my last wife with her, why should she trust me…it just isn't working…we don't love each other anymore." It felt so good to get it all off his chest. He had told the story to House earlier in the week, but that was different. House listened, but he didn't give the impression that he really cared. Looking in Cameron's eyes, Wilson knew that she was taking in everything that he said. He knew that she wanted to help him. It was a nice feeling.

Over the next few days, Alison kept a watchful eye on Dr. Wilson. She was worried about him. Things with Julie were getting worse, and he had begun divorce proceedings. Wilson was confiding more and more in Dr. Cameron. She was glad she could be there for him, and only wished she could do more.

"Hi Wilson," she said, walking into his office. The guys and I are going down to Harvey's for a drink. Would you like to come?" He was flattered by the invite, but he didn't imagine three 20 somethings would want to hang out with a depressed old man who would talk about his miserable, empty marriage all night.

"I don't know," he said, uncertain. It would do him some good to get out, unwind. But he didn't really feel like being around a lot of people right now.

"Come on, give yourself a break. I'll even buy the first round." He noticed that she had taken her hair down. She usually had it pulled back at work, but he liked it down. It framed her face so nicely. She was out of her lab coat, too. Instead she was wearing a short, fitted leather jacket. It showed off her slender figure. This is a bad idea, he thought to himself. Outloud he said, "How can I resist an offer like that." And he grabbed his coat and headed out the door.

Harvey's was just down the street from the hospital, so they decided to walk. It was a nice night, and the cool air felt refreshing against his skin.

Inside the bar, he immediately located Chase and Foreman. They had a small table in the corner. "It's our usual table," Cameron explained. "We try to get out every Friday, unwind."

"I can imagine. Working with House must have a two drink minimum." She laughed at his comment, tilting her head back slightly. It was a pleasant sound. Julie never laughed at his little jokes anymore. She usually just sighed or told him to be quiet.

Chase and Foreman greeting him with raised glasses. "It's nice of you to join us," said Foreman.

"Thank you for taking pity on a tired old man." Wilson replied, and ordered a pint of beer.

"Pity, nothing," Foreman replied," We plan on plying you with booze, and then grilling you for the dirt on House." They all laughed.

It was a nice night out, just what the good doctor needed. Everyone finished a couple drinks, and headed off for home. They all walked back to the hospital parking lot together, laughing and telling stories. Chase and Foreman left, and Wilson slipped back into reality.

"I can't go back there, Alison." He didn't have to say that he meant home, she knew."Not like this. Julie is probably already in a heated rage.She'll attack me the moment I walk through the door"

She didn't know what to do. She couldn't leave him at the hospital, and she knew he wouldn't go hom. "You can stay on my couch if you need to. It's not that comfortable, but I promise I won't attack you."

That's too bad, he thought. "Thank you, Alison, but you've done enough already. I don't want to put you out."

"It's no problem.I don't want to leave you here. You can't spend the night at the hospital." Her heart was breaking for him, this kind, good man, who was afraid to go back to his own home.

"It wouldn't be the first night. You go home, get some sleep. I will see you in the morning." She knew she wouldn't win this fight. She reached in and gave him a hug. They stayed locked in an embrace for longer than normal. When she pulled away, it was with all the self control she could muster.

"Good night," she said softly, kissing him on the cheek.

"Good night, Alison." He just couldn't let her go. He pulled her toward him again, this time pressing his lips softly against hers. At first she was resistant, but only for a moment, then he could feel her kissing him back. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him in close to her. His arms wrapped themselves around her waist.

She felt good in his arms. It felt so natural. But his bliss was shattered when she pulled away."I..." she was struggling for words,"I have to go." And she ran to her car and drove off, leaving Wilson alone and bewildered. He could still smell her perfume in the air.

The next morning Cameron woke up early. She'd had a hard time sleeping. The kiss kept playing over and over in her head. It was a nice kiss, but what did it mean? She knew Dr. Wilson's reputation. He was known around the hospital as a flirt, and a womanizer. She liked his flirty nature. He was a good looking man, and very charming. But she would never get involved with a married man. She just couldn't do that to herself.

She walked into the hospital, taking a deep breath. Here goes nothing, she thought. She wanted to talk to Wilson, get everything out in the air. After a short stop in her office, she headed down the hall to Dr. Wilson's office. His door was closed, but she could see him sitting at his desk. He was talking to Dr. House. Were they talking about last night?

She decided she would come back later, when Dr. House got up and walked toward the door. "Come in, Dr. Cameron," he said, holding the door for her. Rather than following her back to the desk, House walked out the door. Cameron had studied his expression, trying to figure out if he now knew what had happened, but as usual, she got nothing from his ambiguous smile.

"Hi, Alison," Wilson smiled. He then looked slightly worried. "Can I still call you that?"

"Of course," She said, sitting down. "I just wanted to see how you were doing."

"Other than some very pleasant dreams that I probably have no right to be having, I slept like a baby." She looked over to the small couch against the wall. The pillows were askew, and his coat was crumpled into a ball at one end, as if he had used it as a pillow.

"You can dream about anything you want."

"Can I?" he asked, looking wistfully at her. He knew he was making a fool of himself, but he couldn't help it. He truly felt he was falling in love with this woman. And he couldn't think of a better woman to fall in love with.

But things were complicated. He had no right to drag her into his life. His life was a mess. His divorce was not going to be an easy one. His wife was furious with him. She had left several angry messages on his mobile, and his office line. Still, he couldn't help himself.

"Things will get better," she wanted to say his name, James, but she was afraid of what it meant. She didn't want to lead him on, but she didn't want to push him away either. She only knew that he needed her right now, and she thought she might need him too.

"My wife left me a message. Says she's changing the locks. I am not allowed back home, except to collect my things." He sighed heavily. "It's really over. I thought I could make this one work. I really did."

Alison put her hand on his. He needed her comfort right now. "It just wasn't meant to be. It will be OK. I know it doesn't seem like it right now, and you probably think I am a blind optimist for saying it, but I do believe there is one person for everyone, and you just haven't found that person yet. Don't give up."

"What if I find her, and she doesn't want me?" He couldn't help but ask this somewhat bating question.

"I don't think that will happen." She said softly. Had she let too much slip? There was definitely something happening between them. She wasn't sure what it was, and she didn't want to make a move until she knew.

The weeks seemed to fly by. Wilson was living in a small apartment he found above Harvey's, the bar around the corner. It was small, and dingy, but it was still better than sharing a house with Julie. She was raking him over the coals. She hadn't worked during their marriage, and felt she deserved half of his income for her troubles. He was tired of fighting, and was about to give up.

He went over to House's place for OC night. Wilson wasn't particularly into the show, but House had filled him in on all the sordid details, and it was better than staying in his own apartment, listening to the sounds of drunken camaraderie coming up from the bar.

When The OC was over, Wilson leaned back on the couch. "That was interesting," he commented.

"Yeah, Summer really should give Seth another chance." Wilson was surprised to here his anti-romance friend concerned about the love lives of fictional teenagers. House was a man full of surprises, which is one of the reasons Wilson liked him so much.

"I think I am just going to give Julie the divorce. I've had enough of all the fighting. I just want it over with."

"There's another woman," House said, a twinkle in his eye. "Who is she?"

"Who say's there's another woman?" Wilson asked, wishing he hadn't brought the subject up.

"It's the only reason you would want to rush through the divorce." House was grinning now. He now had a mystery to solve.

"Can't a man just want a little peace?" Wilson wished this subject would end. He knew his friend would not be happy to know that Dr. Cameron was the woman in question, even if it was nothing more than innocent flirtation; at least for now.

"Not you, Wilson. Peace is not in your repertoire. So, who is she? The new nurse in pediatrics?" House looked as though he were racking his brain. "No, that hot young thing in administration? No, Cuddy wouldn't let you near her administration girls. I know," he snapped his fingers, "a candy striper!" He looked in the distance dreamily. "I have always had this little fantasy about a candy striper. They look so sexy in that apron."

"She's not a candy striper House," Wilson said impatiently.

"So there is someone." House looked pleased with himself. "Is she in the hospital?" He answered his own questions with. "She must be, you don't go anywhere else. So, she's in the hospital, and she isn't a candy striper."

House started shooting off guesses. "Is she a nurse?"

"House," Wilson replied running out of patience.

"A lab tech?"

"No."

"A doctor?"

"Would you stop already," Wilson implored.

"Oh, so she's a doctor." House said, knowingly.

"Why do you think that? I didn't say yes."

"But it's the way you didn't say yes." House explained.

"Oh, for God's sake, House. Just drop it."

"So, it's someone I know." House deduced.

"I'm going home." Wilson stated, grabbing his coat and heading out the door.

House sat for a moment, the wheels turning in his head. Wilson had a girlfriend. She was a doctor, and he didn't want to tell House who it was. A sudden flash of realization crossed House's face. It was replaced by a look that might have killed Wilson had he still been in the room.

Cameron was at her desk, going through the day's mail. It wasn't the most glamorous part of her job, but it had to be done, and some days she felt like she was the only responsible person on the team.

She was daydreaming about the dinner she'd had with Dr. Wilson a few days earlier.

Ever since Wilson had moved into his own place, Cameron had been spending a lot more time with him. She hated the idea of him being alone in that dingy room he had. They had gone out together last weekend looking for his new apartment, but he hadn't found anything he liked. He was going to take his time looking for the perfect bachelor pad. She'd laughed as the image of him surrounded by lots of black lacquer furniture, and fake fur rugs entered her head.

A few nights ago, she had invited him for dinner at her place. It was the first time he had been in her apartment. She tried hard to keep it from being too romantic a setting. Although it was obvious they were attracted to each other, they both seemed to be hesitant to take it to the next level.

She was surprised that the renowned womanizer hadn't tried to make a move on her yet. After the kiss, they had come to an understanding. She told him that she would never date a married man, and though he was getting a divorce, he was still married. He said he understood, and would just like to be friends, he just enjoyed being around her.

There friendship was an easy one. There wasn't that awkwardness she felt with House. Wilson was as honest about life as she was. She was surprised by how much they had in common.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. As she looked up to see who it was, House came storming in. "We have to talk," he demanded, slamming the door behind him.

"Would you like to sit down?" She was trying to diffuse his temper with kindness.

He didn't sit. He started pacing back and forth. "Are you seeing Dr. Wilson?" His words were short.

"I don't see how it should concern you." She was a little annoyed by his question. She had given him every chance to explore his feelings for her. It would be just like House to come to her now, and try and win her back.

"He's not right for you." House stopped pacing. He was now looking down at her. His eyes seemed bluer than usual. There was a deep honesty in the way he looked at her. He seemed like he wanted to say more, but instead he turned to leave.

"House," she called him back. He stopped but did not turn around. She didn't know what to say. This was a total surprise to her. Would Wilson have told House about them? She knew the two men where close, but she didn't think Wilson would say anything, at least not yet. After an awkward silence, House continued to the door. This time she didn't stop him from leaving.

House was at a complete loss. Wilson was his oldest friend, but he was a cad. Charming and smart, Wilson had never had a problem attracting women. His problem was that he attracted too many, and he didn't want to let anyone down. Things came easy to Dr. James Wilson. He'd grown up in an idyllic Norman Rockwell painting. Although he had been divorced twice already, each marriage was picture perfect, until Wilson's roving eye messed things up.

Every time was going to be different. Each marriage was going to be forever. Wilson truly meant all the flowery words and professions of love that he spoke. He was a hopeless romantic. He wanted the fairytale. House wanted it for him, if it would make him happy. But he couldn't have it with Cameron.

"Wilson," House bellowed, as he barged into the room. A young man looked up at him from the hospital bed.

"I'm kind of in the middle of something," Wilson said in surprise. He was on clinic duty this morning, and in the middle of checking an upset stomach.

House turned to the patient. "You're fine. Take one of these and get some rest." He whipped out his bottle and flipped a Vicodin over to the patient.

"You don't even know what's wrong." Wilson said incredulously.

"It hurts, right?" House inquired of the patient, who nodded his head in reply. "This is a pain killer. It will make the pain go away. Take it. Go away." The patient was too stunned to fight. He dropped the Vicodin down his throat, took a quick gulp from the cup near his bed, and ran out the door.

"That was uncalled for." Wilson admonished.

"Stop seeing Cameron." House's words were so abrupt that Wilson took a moment before they sunk in.

"What? I'm not seeing Cameron. We are friends. She's helping me find an apartment." Wilson stuttered.

House took a moment to appreciate the different reactions of Wilson and Cameron. Where she was confrontational, challenging his right to butt in, Wilson seemed nervous, like a child caught with his hand in a cookie jar and trying to make up a lie to cover himself.

"Don't hurt her Wilson." House demanded.

"I thought you didn't like her." Now that he was over his initial shock, Wilson was ready to do battle. House was a good friend, but Alison made him happy. He wasn't about to give that up without a fight.

"Just because I don't like her doesn't mean I want to see he become your next victim."

"Victim? It's not like I'm a serial killer, House. She's a big girl; let her make her own choices." Wilson was loosing his cool. "Or are you jealous because she isn't still pinning after you?" Wilson regretted it as soon as he said it. But he was too mad right now to care.

"What's going on," Dr. Foreman interrupted them. "Lovers spat?" He meant it as a joke, but the look House gave him made him back away quickly. "Sorry to bother you," he said, far more seriously, "but I need you to look at this." He held out a chart. It was an x-ray of House's latest case.

House grabbed it out of Foreman's hands, and looked at it closely. "Oh my God," he exclaimed. "Why didn't I see this before?" he asked nobody in particular. He rushed off toward the patient's room, having just solved another baffling case. He forgot all about his argument with Wilson. It could wait for another day.

The next few days were rough. House was doing his best to avoid both Wilson and Cameron. He had resorted to sending his "boys", Foreman and Chase, on pointless errands, so they could keep an eye on them.

Wilson was well aware of what he was up to, and decided to ruffle his old friends feathers a bit. He had always had an open door policy in his office. He liked to be able to see and hear what was going on beyond his door. Lately, however, he had started closing his blinds and locking his door. He knew it would drive House crazy, wondering if Cameron was in there with him.

In truth, Wilson hadn't seen much of Cameron. He thought perhaps House had spoken with her as well, and scared her off, or admitted he had feelings for her, which made her forget all about Wilson. He decided it was time to make a move. His divorce was final now, and he wasn't ready to give in to House so easily.

He picked up the phone and called Cameron's pager number. He didn't want to call her, in case she was with House. Then he waited for her call. The next few minutes seemed an eternity. He felt like a schoolboy. Would she call? Did she like him like him? This was ridiculous. He decided to take a walk.

He walked past the lab, hoping she was there. He was in luck. Cameron was bent over a microscope. She was alone. "Hey Alison," he said, trying to sound casual.

"Oh, James," she looked around, making sure no one had heard her.

"How are you?" It was small talk, but he didn't know how to ask what he really wanted to.

"Fine." She said, looking at him with a puzzled look. He had something on his mind.

"Have you talked to House lately?" He finally got it out.

She smiled. "You too?" She asked, and they both laughed. The tension was broken.

"Of course. He thinks I'm going to break your heart." Wilson was smiling when he said it, but he was nervous about her reaction.

She looked serious again. "Are you?"

He was surprised by her question. He knew she was very direct with her feelings, but this one had thrown him for a loop. He didn't know what to say.

"Oh, I shouldn't put you on the spot like that. I just want to know, James, what are your intentions? What is going on?"

He put his head down thoughtfully. After a moment, he took her hand and looked in her eyes. "I like you, Alison. I like you a lot. More than I ever thought I would. More than I probably should. My divorce is final now, and I would love a chance with you, but I don't want you to feel pressured, or uncomfortable. I value you as a friend, and I would do nothing to ruin that." He was speaking so sincerely. He knew that she needed the truth, that if they were to have any kind of relationship, friendship or otherwise, then he would have to be open and honest with her.

"I like you too. I haven't wanted to say anything while you were going through your divorce. I didn't want to be the reason you gave up on your marriage."

"I gave up on it a long time ago." He said, with a tinge of regret.

"What do we do about House?" It was a question that was on both their minds.

"We won't tell him," she answered. "At least not yet. If he thinks you are going to hurt me, then we will just have to prove him wrong. Then he will back off."

"You really are an optimist, Alison." Wilson laughed gently. "So, does this mean you will go out with me then?"

"Yes," she answered. Feeling excited that he finally asked.

It was their first official date. Wilson rang the doorbell. Cameron looked at the clock. Right on time. She should have known he would be. She rushed to the door, excited to see what he had in store for her. He was keeping it a surprise.

"Come in," she said, holding the door open for him. He gave her a light kiss on the cheek as he crossed into the living room. She the flutter of butterflies in her stomach.

Wilson had been anxious all day. Not only about his impending date, and what Cameron would think of the night he had planned for her, but of House catching on. They had both been very careful not to arouse suspicion, but House was a very perceptive man. It wouldn't take much for him to see right through them.

They had succeeded. No one knew about their date. He wished he could shout it from the rooftops, but for now, they had to keep it on the down low.

Now he was here, with her. She looked beautiful in a simple black dress. Her hair was neatly swept into a chignon. It showed off the dangling diamond earring she wore, which danced in the light as she moved her head.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked.

"I can't wait," she replied, grabbing her coat and heading for the door. She was really excited. She loved surprises, and Wilson had given her no hints as to what he had in store.

He held the door for her as she got into the car. She noticed that it had been washed very recently. It shined in the fading light of the sun. It was her first glimpse at the length he had gone to to make the night special for her. She was now even more excited about what was to come.

They made small talk in the car. Just easy conversation between a couple of friends. It was nice, it was comfortable. But there was an underlying sense of nervousness that flowed through their carefully chosen words.

When the car finally came to a stop, Cameron was not sure quite where they were. It looked like a luxury apartment complex, or a fine hotel. "Where are we" she asked.

"It's my new home." He opened the door for her, and they walked in. He isn't taking me to his place, is he? She thought. It's too soon for that.

The doorman nodded as they walked past, and toward a bank of elevators. She thought she saw Wilson nod back conspiratorially. What was he up to?

Wilson pushed the button and the elevator doors opened. They rode up in silence. All the way to the top. When the doors opened again, Cameron found herself on a rooftop deck. Looking around she realized deck wasn't a grand enough word for it. It was more like a garden.

There was a decked path through a jungle of potted plants. Toward one side, near the edge of the roof, she saw a pergola (sort of deck canopy thing) covered with roses that wove in and out of the wooden slats. Under this was a small table set for two. It was draped in a satiny white cloth, and paired with two wicker chairs placed close together. Beyond it was a beautiful view of the sunset bouncing off the still waters of the lake.

It was the most romantic setting Alison had ever seen. She blushed slightly thinking of everything he had done just for her. "Oh James, it's perfect." She smiled at him brightly, and gave him a sweet kiss on the mouth, just a quick one, but enough, she hoped, to let him know she appreciated his attentions.

Once they had sat down, Wilson poured two glasses of Champaign. Handing one to Cameron, he raised his own." I would like to propose a toast," he announced. Cameron raised her glass to his. "Here's to new beginnings," he said, and they touched their glasses together carefully.

The elevator door opened quietly, and a man in a white tuxedo slipped out, pushing a cart with two silver domed trays on it. He moved silently to the table and placed a tray in front of each of them. Cameron couldn't wait to see what was for dinner. As the waiter raised the silver domes in unison, she gave an exclamation of surprise peppered with glee.

A small china bowl sat before her, filled to the brim with what could only be Kraft macaroni and cheese. She laughed. "I haven't had this in years." She was impressed that he remembered her story of how her mother would always make her a bowl of mac and cheese if she was feeling down. It was her ultimate comfort food.

She happily ate the mac and cheese, stories of her childhood flowing freely as the taste brought back so many good memories. He was beaming at her, so happy that she had liked his surprise. Hoping the rest of the night would go as smoothly.

The next course arrived. This time it was more traditional romantic dinner fare. A stuffed lobster tail with asparagus in Hollandaise sauce. It was mouthwateringly good, and all conversation died as they enjoyed their meal.

"I can't wait for dessert," Cameron said, as giddy as a kid at Christmas.

"Well," he said, nodding at the waiter who had just emerged from the elevator with yet another tray of food. "Wait no longer."

A single silver domed tray was placed between them on the table. When the waiter backed away, Cameron reached to remove the lid, and Wilson gave her a quick little reprimanding slap on the hand. "Let me do the honors," he said, lifting the dome.

Cameron's eyes lit up with joy. He was unbelievable. Sitting on the silver serving tray was a pint of Strawberry Cheesecake Hagen Daas ice cream. It was her all time favorite. "How did you know," she asked, digging her spoon deep into the carton.

"You mentioned it was your favorite a few weeks ago, when we were looking at apartments." He rose, taking the pint in one hand, and her hand in the other. "Perhaps we would be more comfortable over there." He nodded to a part of the roof she hadn't seen yet, hidden behind the elevator.

As they walked around, she saw a bench set against the elevator wall. A few feet in front of the bench was a small, elevated fire pit. The fire was smoldering softly. It felt good as the night air was getting chilly.

"Thank you for a perfect evening," she gushed. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. This time it was a more passionate kiss. A flood of heat rushed through her body. She could feel her heart pounding h\in her chest. She could also feel his heartbeat as he pulled her even closer to him. She felt like a princess in a fairytale, and she had finally found her Price Charming.