Chapter 3
House walked into PPTH on Monday morning, late as usual. Cameron was happy to see him, of course, but she was disappointed as well. Disappointed that he was still coming to work, that he hadn't checked into rehab, that he hadn't done anything, that he'd ignored her advice.
"House..." she started, but didn't know what to say.
"What?"
Cameron bit her lip. "Aren't you suspended?"
"Came to tell Cuddy something."
"Tell Cuddy what?"
House thought for a minute, then backed into the elevator, Cameron walked quickly after him. "I'm checking into rehab."
Cameron smiled and hugged him. She was so proud.
House took the hug nicely. His eyes closed, and it felt so nice to have her arms around him once again. He didn't want her to let go, but she did once she saw Nurse Brenda pass by, smirking. House smirked back and headed up to Cuddy's office to give her the news.
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Cuddy took the news very happily, relieved. She congratulated House on finally making the right decision, but he just brushed away all her comments. Honestly, he REALLY didn't care what she had to say.
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Later that week, House checked into the rehab center. He got his room and everything. Looking around, he was bored already. No patients. No puzzles. No challenges. Just... him. Nothing. Deep down, he wished Cameron could come with him, stay with him, just be there for him. Already, he regretted pushing her away all that time when deep down all she wanted to do was help. House unpacked his things and pulled out his iPod. His last resort, the closest thing he had to a distraction. All he had left now was his music and his video games, but those would never take away the pain.
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After work, Cameron made her way immediately to the rehab center where House was staying. She was already curious as to how he was doing.
"How are you doing?" she asked.
"Well," said House, "Given I've only been here one day..."
Cameron blushed. "Sorry," she said. "I was just worried."
House smirked, but the smirk turned into a smile. "You're always worried."
Cameron smiled and nodded lightly. "Are you going to be okay?"
House didn't know the answer to that question. He had no idea what to tell her. Sure, his system would be wiped clean of vicodin, but the pain alone would kill him. "I don't know."
A tear slid down Cameron's face, and House wiped it off of her cheek. "I'm sorry..."
"For what?" asked House.
"This," she said, "For obsessing over you, for never leaving you alone... For just..."
"Not giving up?"
Cameron stared at him. "What?"
"Thanks," said House, "For not giving up... on me."
Cameron smiled slightly as another tear slid down her face. She gave House yet another hug, and they both smiled for this one. Their eyes closed, and they both felt so... comfortable.
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Meanwhile, back in PPTH, Nurse Brenda was telling her best friend Katie her latest bit of gossip. "You'll never guess who I saw HUGGING Dr. House..."
"Oh my gosh!" said Katie, "Isn't he suspended for like... taking too many pills or something?"
Brenda nodded.
"So...," said Katie excited, "Who ACTUALLY hugged him?!"
Brenda smirked, and the rumor began...
