Author's Note: I haven't touched this story in ages for a variety of reasons, ranging from perpetual writer's block to the (hopefully temporary) demise of Bruce, my beloved writing computer. I'm trying my best to get back in the saddle and rest assured, I will never abandon a story on here, even if it takes me years to finish. Thank you for your continued patience and feedback.

Now, when we left off, I believe that I had gotten a certain wombat sent to Sing-Sing. I don't think he'll be making another major appearance in this story but time will tell.

Disclaimer: "Honestly, it's not mine!"

"So, you're going to press charges?"

"Yes. Drunk or not…he could've hurt Noah."

"And you."

"I could've handled that."

"Well, that makes one of us.", he declared softly.

They stood on his balcony, Cameron with a mug of tea and House leaning against the wall. The August breeze was already taking on a chill and soon, it would be fall, her favorite season. It was a time of beautiful colors and thick comfortable sweaters. And for some reason, House was less snarky at that time. Maybe he liked fall, too. She'd have to ask…

She set down her tea and leaned next to him. His arm went around her waist and Cameron rested her head on his chest. It had been there since they fell into bed, exhausted but relieved that Chase hadn't done anything more than spook her.

"Will you come with me to the station, later? I can do it on my own but…it would be nice if you were there too."

House pressed a kiss to her temple and nodded, holding her ever tighter, refusing to let her out of his sight.

She didn't mind it one bit. If he had been the one targeted, she'd do the exact same thing.

/

"Are you okay?"

Chase sighed and replied, "I'm fine. Hungover but that's my own fault. So, you're pressing charges?"

"I have to."

"Because he told you to?" he asked bitterly with a gesture towards a glaring House.

"Because you put my nephew in danger. Even if Greg didn't want you tarred and feathered, I'd do it for him. What you did was absolutely stupid and hateful. Now, I'm not saying that I'm blameless. I caused the circumstances of your rage. I'm the one who took the drugs, I'm the one who slept with you, and I'm the one who led you on. I accept that. I apologize for that but…Noah's only been around for 2 months. He's got his whole life ahead of him and your drunken idiocy could've hurt or killed him. And I will not apologize for making sure you can't do it again."

As always, she was beautiful. The dark grey sweater and black jeans she had on emphasized her shape and her big blue eyes pierced through him. Chase longed to reach through the bars of his cell and touch her, brush her hair out of her eyes, to show her that he loved her...

He couldn't, though. He had lost Allison Cameron to House long ago and his own actions only cemented it. Even if by some slim chance House and Cameron hit the skids, he would never be the one for her. It was time to accept it.

"And you shouldn't. I…I'm sorry, Cameron."

"I know. Since this is your first offense, you shouldn't do too much time, if you do any at all. But I do recommend getting another job."

When the time came, he'd take that advice to heart and get as far away from Princeton as possible.

Maybe distance would make it hurt less.