A/N: An 'M' rated version of this story also exists, should you be interested in that sort of thing.

A Penny For Your Thoughts

Hello, JB and Daisy here. In tonight's chapter of "Missed Opportunities" we make the transition from our Season One stories to our "moments" of Season Two, which begin tomorrow night.

We now join House, in the cafeteria of PPTH, while he shares the details of his very strange dreams with his best friend Wilson. Enjoy!

Chapter 10

Tuesday, June 26, 2007 …

"A penny for your thoughts?" Wilson asked, as he slid into the booth opposite House.

"Geez Wilson, if you don't want to pay for my lunch, why didn't you say something instead of sneaking around like that?" House asked angrily, barely looking up from his Reuben sandwich.

"I don't want to pay for your lunch, but I haven't got a clue what you're talking about," replied a confused Wilson, who was beginning to regret his choice of dining companion.

House put down his sandwich and sighed.

"I just sat down 30 seconds ago, which means that you must have seen me in the line-up and hidden to avoid paying. You're so passive-aggressive Wilson." he said with disgust.

"Contrary to popular belief House, my life does not revolve around you. I was with a patient.

I just got here and I didn't see you, but if it will shut you up, I'll reimburse you …" Wilson said indignantly, reaching for his wallet as he stood to leave.

"Nah …" House shook his head and toyed with his sandwich.

Wilson returned to his seat.

"I know you don't need a reason to be an ass, but just for formality's sake, is something bothering you? Wilson asked, thinking how terrible House looked.

"I didn't sleep very well … I kept having these strange dreams." House said, rubbing his weary eyes.

"About?" asked Wilson.

"Nothing," House tried to shrug the topic off.

I'm not getting into this with you Wilson, thought House.

"It must be Cameron," Wilson said knowingly.

"How the hell do you know that?" House asked. He was too tired to lie anymore.

"If it was anything else, you'd just tell me instead of evading my question," Wilson reasoned.

"Yeah … I kept dreaming about all those times when I said the wrong thing and hurt her feelings."

"Wow, you must have been up all night …" Wilson commented, with just a hint of sarcasm.

"Gee, thanks Wilson. I haven't been bad to her that many times, have I?" said a wounded House.

Wilson said nothing.

He just stared at House pointedly and waited.

"Yeah, alright," House said sadly, "but you know what was weird about these dreams?

They were all about what might have happened if I'd acted differently …"

"A Christmas Carol", Wilson said, taking a bite of his salad.

"What?" asked House.

"Your dreams … they sound exactly like the ones Ebenezer Scrooge had in A Christmas Carol."

"So now I'm not just a bastard, I'm Scrooge?" House's voice got louder, drawing curious stares from the diners around them.

"I'm sorry House, I didn't mean that … forget what I said … what's going on with Cameron?" Wilson asked.

"Don't know … she's been in the clinic all morning." he said, calming down.

Wilson looked up and noticed the pretty brunette walking into the cafeteria.

"Hey, speak of the devil … Cameron … over here …" he called.

"What are you doing?" hissed House, ludicrously trying to hide by slinking his six-foot-two frame

beneath the table.

"Oops, did you not want to talk to her?" Wilson asked innocently.

House glared.

"I'm passive-aggressive, remember? Now behave …" he admonished.

"Wilson," Cameron smiled. "House," she said flatly, the smile disappearing from her face.

"Would you like to join us?" Wilson asked, rising from his seat.

"Sure, but I have to get back to work soon," she said, slipping into the booth next to Wilson.

House sat in silence, just staring at Cameron.

The intensity of his gaze unsettled her and Cameron turned to face Wilson.

"So, I heard about your offer from Cedar's. That's very impressive …" began Wilson.

Oh great … here it comes … thought House.

"Thanks Wilson." Cameron said, as she stirred her tea. "It's a great opportunity and I don't mind telling you that I wouldn't mind leaving these New Jersey winters behind me."

"Does that mean that you've made up your mind about what you're going to do?" continued Wilson. Leave it alone Wilson … please …

"No not yet … it's a difficult decision …", Cameron turned back to House and returned his gaze,

"I still have a lot to think about …"

"Well, I hope you decide to stay … I'd miss you, both professionally and personally …" Wilson said kindly, finding the friction and sexual tension between House and Cameron almost too much to bear.

"Aw, thanks Wilson … that's sweet of you to say … I just wish everyone was as open with their feelings …" Cameron said, her green eyes full of fire as she focused on House.

He remained silent.

Why won't you talk to me House … Do you hate me that much … Or is it love …

Are you afraid to love me … I have to know …

There was no point in prolonging this futile attempt at conversation.

Cameron stood and looked at her watch, not bothering to take note of the time.

It didn't matter.

"Oh gosh, it's almost one o'clock! I'd better be going. It was nice talking with you Wilson. House." Cameron left their company feeling hurt and rejected once more.

House seemed lost in thought as his attention returned to his uneaten lunch.

"What is wrong with you?!

She was right there … sitting across from you … and you didn't have the guts to say a word!

House, you have to talk to her." Wilson said, his voice filled with exasperation.

House lifted his head briefly; his blue eyes were filled with sorrow.

"I know I do Jimmy … I just didn't know what to say …"

… By JellyBean30 and Daisy B10