"Doctor House? When did you get back?" asked Cameron.

"I've been here all morning," House grumbled. Being back at work no longer seemed like a walk in the park. He leaned back into his chair and threw the bouncy ball for the second time since Cameron had started annoying him. "What do you have that could POSSIBLY be so important I must move right now?"

"There's a very annoying patient who could use a taste of his own medicine. Oh, and also, he could be going septic…" Cameron looked back at House, who just about smiled. A taste of their own medicine? What a chance!

"Don't mind if I do," House said, slowly stumbling to his feet with his cane. Then the pain came. He never really missed that pain, but being clear of all hallucinations was a bit of a consolation. Amber had thrown him for a bit of a loop, but Kutner's appearance was just too much to take. Still, the pain followed him everywhere. He had to stay clean though. For his career, and for Cuddy.

"Fine. I have to go run some more tests on this guy," she stalked off, leaving house alone.

If they only THINK he's septic, he may just last a little longer. House thought. He thought about sitting down, but decided to go find someone to talk to. Since he got back from rehab, House was just as much as an ass, but he felt the need to talk. He walked down hallway to Wilson's office, feeling the stab every time his leg hit the linoleum underneath it. House cringed, but knew that if he gave up, he would not only prove he was the most stubborn ass alive, but he was going to be all alone. He cringed again. A few doctors stopped to stare, but House waved them all off with a "shouldn't you be doing your own damn job right now?" He just kept walking on as if he didn't say anything.

It was a long walk, so House had time to think; Not only his stubborn sarcastic thoughts, but ones about him and Cuddy as well. Would it ever work out between them? Was this just what his mind conceived as okay? He waved off the questions, knowing all too well he didn't have the answers. He passed her office and stopped to double-take. Even though she was just sitting there on the phone, she seemed beautiful. He wondered if she still had an ass. He inwardly laughed at himself, and continued down the hallway.

"Wilson!" House shouted as he walked in. Wilson almost choked on his lunch. Strange, House thought Wilson hardly ever eats in here. "You trying to avoid me?"

"No, sir. Just thought maybe you could use some more peace," he choked down the last of his chicken salad and threw the glad container directly in the garbage.

"Well, I feel like talking, and I have about half an hour before my team finds me. Talk. Now. Me and you," House said, gesturing every word. He sat down at the desk across from Wilson.

"Well, I don't got all day," Wilson said, trying to mock House. House just stared at him. Wilson was intimidated.

"Okay, It's- I still have feelings for Cuddy."