For all those who may be frustrated about me writing in that House was forced to treat a patient, this was simply done because Cuddy would have stuck with an ultimatum. Do your job, or don't do your job and go to clinic, or go home and not get paid. Since that has been done before, I chose to skip over that, avoiding potential plagiarism. Sorry this is my first story and I'm very self conscious about it. I tell no one I write so; for myself and my helplessly romantic friends bear with me.
------------------------------------
House was frozen. Completely stunned by what Cuddy had just said. He didn't quite understand what she was trying to say, but it seemed quite clear. Cameron had to leave diagnostics. This had been something that he and Cameron had tried quite noticeably to avoid, being professional in their work, separating most of work life from home. He figured that's what had kept the relationship going for as long as it had. They had discussed this problem arising before, many years ago, but this seemed to have been put on the back burner. When Cuddy had found out about the relationship she was just relieved that House was happy-ish. They hadn't really gotten engaged. It was more of a 'Hey, we're in Vegas, let's get married. Ha! Even after they got married seven months ago the board had nothing to say about it. As long as House was doing his job, and was happier, who cared? Besides they worked well together. He wouldn't deny that things haven't changed between them, obliviously they had, but as a whole House still picked on Cameron like he did everyone else. So why did she have to leave diagnostics? What changed?
"What? Why?" He asked confused.
Cuddy couldn't take the intensity of House's stare. He was obviously in shock and now she had to explain to him why. He would never understand, and she knew that. She averted her eyes from his and looked to her desk, fidgeting with a piece of paper. "The board thinks it's time that you two stop working together. They've let it go this long, but conflicts could arise and the fact that you're still her boss and her husband, favouritism could occur, and your judgment could be skewed."
"Favouritism? Conflicts?" he questioned. "That's what the board is worried about? I do that all the time, it's a part of who I am. Allison doesn't always get favoured, sometimes Foreman makes a better call, even Chase at times, and there's always going to be conflicts because I'm an uncaring bastard." He definitely felt his blood boiling. He never expected to end up in Cuddy's office fighting for, not himself but, his wife.
Cuddy gave a wryly smile. "You're not uncaring House, otherwise you wouldn't be here trying to save Cameron's position." She stepped around her desk and sat on the edge. House was still seething and Cuddy wanted this to cool down. "She doesn't have to leave the hospital House, I'll have another position available –"
"I'll quit!" House cut Cuddy off. She stared at him bewildered. "I'm not going to fire Cameron because we MAY have conflicts arise! I like my staff and I want to keep it that way. And if the board has their heads so far up their a—"
"There was a complaint!" Cuddy fired back.
House was quiet "Who? Chase?! Foreman?!"
"I can't tell you who. You know that."
"Why not?"
"Confidentiality." She said matter of fact.
"Foreman?" House inquired.
"Can't answer House. I'm sorry" Cuddy was really having a difficult time trying to get this threw his head. She knew that it wouldn't be easy.
"Chase?" he pushed for an answer.
"Enough House!" she barked. "It could have been me, or Brenda for that matter."
"You complained?" he asked shocked by her statement.
"No!" she slapped her hand on the desk. "It doesn't matter House! do you get that. What's happened has happened, and now you have to deal with the consequences of being married to your subordinate."
House heaved a sigh of frustration. "She hasn't been my subordinate for three and a half years when her fellowship ended. None of them have been my subordinate for the past three years. I just make the final call. My department"
"You still employ her. Therefore still her superior. I'm sorry" she said again "She has to go."
"I don't want her to go. She's a good doctor and knows what's she's doing. Where is she supposed to go? What other position do you have for her? Lab attendant? Janitor?" House was now rambling, totally side swiped by this conversation.
Cuddy smiled "It's a good position, and you'll still see her around the hospital. She can join you for consults if you need." She looked at House and saw the tension in his jaw. "Relax House" she aimed to reassure "She doesn't need to leave the hospital, just your department." It was quite simple "You have until the end of the week to tell her. I suggest that you tell her sooner than later." She said returning to the other side of her desk standing in front of her chair. House remained in his spot waiting for the joke to end. When it didn't, he dropped his head and turned for the door looking completely dejected. " House." Cuddy stopped him as he was opening the door. He turned and looked at her "Have Cameron come and see me after you've told her." He nodded and left. Cuddy fell back in her chair with a heavy sigh. She felt awful, but her job was supposed to be tough, and with House nothing was ever really easy. Picking up the phone she hit a speed dial, and waited for the recipient to answer. When the call was received all she said was. "He knows."
----------------------
Short chapter I know. But more is still to come. I have the next few chapters written out, I just need to type it up. Stick with me. Please review! I'm curious to know if you love it, like it or hate it. It's not going to change the story but I still value everyone opinions.
