Title: Life Line (3/3)

Rating: PG

Summary: House is being released from rehab today and you can't contain your excitement. A semi-future fic about what would happen if House ends up in rehab.

Disclaimer: Don't own em.

Spoilers: Up to "Finding Judas"

A/N: Okay, this is it folks. I'd just like to thank everyone who read and reviewed, I really appreciate it. Also, the end of this is definitely OOC, but I couldn't help myself, I'm a sap. Enjoy!

Cameron

House is being released from rehab today and you can't contain your excitement. It's been two months since you've seen his face and less than twelve hours since you last heard his voice. You can't wait to put the two of them together again.

Foreman and Chase are ignoring your odd mood. Neither of them mentions House unless you are working on a particularly difficult case. They don't know about the phone calls and you're pretty sure that neither of them remembers he is being released today.

Both Wilson and Cuddy know of course and they've both managed to bring it up. Wilson asked you if you knew whether or not House had a ride home and you just nodded. He did but you didn't feel the need to mention that you were the one who'd be picking him up. Cuddy brought it up when you bumped into her in the clinic. She casually asked you if you know what today is. Thursday is what you tell her and at her annoyed expression, you turn and walk away. You had to bite your tongue to keep from spilling your guts. You haven't told anyone about the phone calls.

You promised him you'd be there at noon on the spot. He is more than ready to leave that place and you wouldn't dare make him stay any longer than absolutely necessary. You finish your clinic duty at 11:15 and head up to the Diagnostics office for your purse and jacket. You manage to slip into your jacket before Chase gives you a questioning look. You simply tell him that you're taking an early lunch. You don't catch the look he gives you because you are already on your way out the door.

House

You had trouble sleeping last night because you anxiety has been building for days. You are being released in exactly thirty-six minutes and you know that Cameron will be waiting for you. You still haven't worked up the nerve to tell her how you feel but you came pretty damn close during your last conversation. Her sappiness is getting to you already.

You have already signed your discharge papers and the only thing you're waiting for is your wife. You never did correct the nurse and every time Cameron calls you, you have to take a deep breath and ignore the announcement that your wife is calling. Rehab or not, you are still not the marrying type. You know that you're in love with Cameron, and you really wouldn't mind becoming involved with her, but marriage will never be on your agenda.

You are surprised when the nurse comes to your room at quarter of twelve to tell you that your wife is waiting in the lobby. It's time to go home.

Cameron

You are standing in the lobby of the Grossman clinic and your heart is beating so hard in your chest that you're afraid it may stop. The nurse just went to find House and she called him your husband and you forgot about the roll you're supposed to be playing. Your hands are shaking and you don't know if you're nervous about seeing him or if you're just nervous for him, rehab is a big deal.

You don't have much time to dwell on it because the nurse is coming back down the hallway. You see House and you can't help the grin that has suddenly found its way to your face. He hasn't seemed to notice you yet, he's fumbling with his bag, and you want to call out to him. You don't. You stand and wait and pray that he's all right. You want him to be okay.

And then he looks at you and you take four long strides and you're right in front of him. You take his bag, drop it on the floor, and wrap your arms around his neck. It takes him all of ten seconds to respond and then you're kissing him and he's kissing you back and nothing else seems to matter. The kiss lingers and when you both break for air you are feeling a little light headed. House is staring at you and you are amazed to find that there are no questions in his eyes.

"Hi," you say, out of breath but in a very good way.

His lip quirks up and he says, "I love you."

You know that you looked shocked because you are but at the same time, you're not. You've been in love with him for so long that nothing can shock you anymore. You smile and kiss him again, breaking away only to repeat the words back at him.