Thank you for your continued support. Again, none of this is mine, music included. Music credits at the end. :)

House

My eyes popped open as bright light slipped into the bedroom. I reached for my pills, trying to focus my fuzzy brain, my eyes adjusting to the light. I popped a couple of Vicodin and pushed myself out of bed, stumbling slightly down the hallway.

Coffee. Coffeecoffeecoffee. I concentrated on the ritual of boiling water, scooping instant coffee into a cup, stirring, sipping, BURNING, and limping over to the piano. I didn't play, just sat, letting my mind replay the events of last night. Good food, good movies, and one damn fine kiss. I sighed as I picked out a few notes on the piano, not really focusing on anything. No matter what, my brain kept returning to that moment, on this bench, with that woman. Shit, House, obsess much? I'll bet Cam's not nearly as crazy over this as you are. It's just a damn kiss. Get over yourself.

My mind snapped back to the present. I had a few things to do before I picked Cam up for our ride. She needed her own helmet and jacket, and I wanted to stop by the motorcycle shop so that she'd be ready to go. Besides, I had this insane urge to surprise her with…a…gift? I'm such a *girl*. Or a Wilson. Maybe aliens didn't take my brain. Maybe they did a straight-up exchange. Yeah, 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Princeton Edition'. Wilson would laugh his ass off if he knew what I was thinking right now…No matter. I had things to do, places to go, hot women to pick up, and any time I spent brooding was less time I'd have with the hot woman in question.

Cameron

I woke earlier than I anticipated given how late I got to sleep. After a few minutes of tossing and turning, I gave up and dragged myself out of bed. Coffee would be my first order of business. Maybe that would help clear the fog from my brain. It certainly wouldn't hurt.

My mind replayed last night's events as the coffee brewed. I could still hear Greg playing the piano and softly singing that song…You're my sweet maple sugar, honey…hot buttered rum. Gregory House, closet romantic. Chase and Foreman wouldn't believe it if I told them. I still wasn't sure if I believed it, and I wasn't convinced I'd ever see a repeat performance. Wouldn't mind a repeat performance of that kiss, though. I smiled at the memory. Nobody would believe me if I told them about *that*, either. Maybe I'll just leave out that part of the story. Yeah.

The coffeemaker spluttered as it completed its brew cycle, bringing me back to reality. I poured myself a cup and padded to the living room, turning on the TV to one of the music channels. The soft strains of mandolin and banjo reached my ears, matching my mellow mood. The lyrics caught my ears and sunk into my brain. 'Just another bird in a house…dying to get out…' Damn, that didn't sound like anyone I knew. 'I want to sing my own song, that's all…cried the bird, and flew into the wall…' I sighed and took another sip of coffee. I didn't want anything to bring me down today. I just wanted to go for a ride, hang out with Greg, and enjoy the day.

House

After a quick shower, I dug through my drawers in search of something decent to wear. My standard weekend ratty t-shirt thing would not cut it today. What the hell, am I channeling Wilson? Next thing you know I'll have a tie rotation and some of those ridiculous French shoes. Just find something less…raggedy, huh?

I put on my watch and checked the time. Nearly noon. I grabbed my cell and scrolled through my contact list until I reached Cam's number. I hit send and waited for the connection.

"Hello, this is Cameron."

"Cam, hey…it's Greg." Hello, it's the return of Captain Obvious!

She laughed warmly. "Good morning…afternoon, Greg."

I smiled and chuckled nervously. "You ready to roll?"

"Whenever you're ready."

"Okay…I've got one stop to make, then I'll be over."

"Cool…see you when you get here."

"Cool…see ya soon."

I ended the call and ran my hand through my hair. Quick stop at the motorcycle shop, and then off on my adventure with Cam. I tried and failed to contain a small grin of anticipation as I headed out the door.

Cameron

I finished my coffee and took a quick shower. Before long I found myself staring at my open closet, debating what to wear. After much pondering, I selected a moss green turtleneck sweater, dark wash straight leg jeans, and black leather ankle boots. Casual, but put together…perfect for a fall motorcycle ride.

A sharp ring pulled me out of my fashion ponderings. I picked up my cell, noting the Caller ID. House, Gregory. Ah, of course. It was almost exactly noon. For once he's on time for something…

"Hello, this is Cameron."

"Cam, hey…it's Greg." No shit, Sherlock.

I chuckled, picking up the slight vibration in his tone. "Good morning…afternoon, Greg."

He laughed nervously in response. "You ready to roll?"

"Whenever you're ready."

"Okay…I've got one stop to make, then I'll be over." Really? *That's* interesting…STOP. I'm sure it's got *nothing* to do with you. Relax.

"Cool, see you when you get here."

"Cool, see ya soon." He abruptly ended the call. Now that's more like it. Wouldn't want to totally ruin his rep, I'm sure.

House

I entered the bike shop and ventured into unfamiliar territory—the women's department. I started browsing through the leather jackets, losing myself in the scent of new leather. Nothing like it in the world. The only thing better would be…Snap out of it! Just pick a jacket, pick a helmet, and get the hell out of here.

I selected a slim cut black leather jacket, guessing on the size. I'd have to remember to keep the receipt this time, just in case. This whole process was…unfamiliar, a bit uncomfortable. The last time I bought a gift for a woman…hell, I couldn't even remember. What was the last gift I bought Stacy? Ancient history, House. Move on. I made my way to the counter, clearing my throat to get the clerk's attention.

"Excellent choice." He nodded toward the jacket on the counter. "Gift for the girlfriend?"

Girlfriend?! What?! No. Nonono. "Friend. Gift for a friend. It's her first motorcycle ride. Just want to make sure she's…" Taken care of? NO. "…properly attired. I'll need one of those helmets, too."

The clerk gave me a skeptical look, pulled down the helmet, and rang me up. I tossed a credit card on the counter, paid for my purchases, and headed out the door.

"Great day for a ride, man!" the clerk called out as I left. "Bet your 'friend' becomes your 'girlfriend' by the end of the day…" Oh shut the hell up. Damned twerpy kid. What does he know, anyway?

I mounted the bike, securing my purchases behind me, clipping my cane into its holder. I was feeling edgy, not sure what the day would bring. I was kind of pissed at the presumptuous kid, but I couldn't help feeling a little hopeful. I doubted that Cam would be my 'girlfriend' at the end of the day, but it didn't matter…really. It didn't matter at all. I revved up and headed out into the great unknown.

Yeah...I know, left you hanging there. Don't worry, we pick up next chapter with the ride itself. Read, review, love.

Music Credits:

"Hot Buttered Rum", Red Clay Ramblers, Chuckin' the Frizz
"Bird in a House", Railroad Earth, Bird in a House