A little late, but hope you like it still. Call it an early new year's present. Please tell me what you think, it's quite long, definitely longer than the last one.
Candy canes to all these lovely people... a little late again, but hey! AllisonCammie, FaNtAsMaS ChiCa, gardengnome19, geminiginny, GabbyAbby, Dr.AllieCameron, ladyschicksal, Limaccia, sabu53, wtlozy, Josu2003, sweetgreuy, teddikayg.
Special Shout-out to GabbyAbby, who didn't get mention a couple of chapters back, so here's a special thank you...
THANK YOU
...there and I hope you update your story soon!!!!
Bleeding
The pretty Christmas tree was placed in the tiny space between the baby grand and the chest of drawers, just in front of the right sash window. It was small but decorated extravagantly, and made the whole room that more warm to the touch. Cameron stood on one foot, the other balancing against her calf in a pose which commanded her full attention. Her balance had steadily been dropping as of late.
Opposite was a star that sat on top of the tree, but rather lopsidedly. She sighed and hobbled forwards, barefoot, and back up a small step ladder to fix it. Her third attempt proved a success as the star now shone down at Cameron all that more brightly. Tiding away the packaging, Cameron sat down in the armchair and swallowed the rest of her orange juice. She was pleased with the results.
Putting down the empty glass with a sigh she let her fingers graze over the belly that now clearly showed a 7-month pregnancy. Her baggy t-shirt barely covered the gentle curve of skin, even though the rest of her body was still tiny in comparison. She smiled to herself and continued to stroke back and forth.
"Hey little one," She cooed. "Are you saving your energy like last night so you can poke me while I'm asleep? It's a good job I love you, I'm wouldn't put up with it from anyone else. Well maybe Daddy..." Cameron grinned. "He's out with Uncle Wilson now; do you think he's buying Mummy a present?" She then laughed. "No you're right he's probably already falling off a bar stool."
She sighed, picked herself up and moved through the corridor and into the nursery. Inside the room looked ready to move into. As well as having the latest gadgets, the drawers were lined with 'onesies' and socks and on top a couple of new bibs donned the chest's top. The newest addition to the room was a wooden ottoman that successfully hid a plastic baby bath as well as the necessary lotions and soaps.
Cameron had also placed, at the very bottom, House's Christmas present as she knew he would rather venture into the vegetable crisper than find out how many types of baby bath essence they owned. Pulling at the lid, she rummaged for the red box with silver ribbon before moving back into the sitting room. The tree needed some more things underneath it.
Beneath the wrapping was a brown leather watch with a mother of pearl face and silver details. Although she had been wondering what to get him for weeks, when she'd seen the state of his current one it had been almost too obvious as to what the present should be. In a shopping bag beside the chair Cameron had also stopped at the candy store buying him his own miniature lollypop dispenser with only cherry flavoured candy inside.
The third bag had a present was already gift-wrapped so she could automatically place all three gifts under the tree. It was a new iPod converter... thing, so he could listen while driving. His car had already been chosen to carry the car seat as it had four doors, and she hoped this would be a chance for him to keep some of his masculinity in tacked.
Pink and white stripes weren't his favourite colours.
Cameron sat back down and sighed. It was still early evening, although the winter showers had made it completely dark outside. The other three bags needed to be unpacked relatively soon, unless she wanted to be wearing a creased dress to the Christmas Ball.
The Christmas Ball. It was a chance for all members of staff that belonged to the PPTH community to get so drunk that they can't remember whether they made a pass at their boss or not. Cameron inwardly cringed. Two balls ago and she still couldn't decide whether the kiss on the balcony had happened or not. House, helpful as ever, had simply laughed. So it might have happened, or it might be a figure of her lucid imagination. She wondered why it bothered her so much, since they were together now and had been for a long time.
Shaking her head from side to side, Cameron stood and gathered the paper bags and wandered through to the bedroom. She had approximately 2 hours and a half to get ready, 2 hours until House could possibly stagger into the apartment.
Untangling the dress from the masses of tissue paper, the black and silver gown was beautiful. The empire lined, calf length dress was made from silk so it flowed and draped elegantly over her bump. Just below her bust was a glittery gray band of detail that tied into a bow on the reverse, her back bare from the low cut. Of course, since the dress was such a success, Cameron opted for the matching beaded chiffon wrap... and a new pair of high-heeled satin shoes. Her shopping experience had been an excellent one.
She began the ritual of cleansing that every woman followed and it involved shaving, plucking scrubbing, washing, moisturising, brushing and the application of makeup. The last taking the most time to complete. As she began to curl her right eye lashes, the sound of the door being opened caused her to finish half-way through.
"Honey I'm home," House bellowed loudly, chuckling as he did. He heard no response until he shouted again.
"I'm coming," Cameron replied, pulling on a dressing gown to cover the new lace lingerie the she had put on. House was in the kitchen making himself a cheese and ham sandwich. She slapped his hand making him drop the butter knife and squeal unhappily.
"What was that for?"
"We're eating in 45 minutes." She said testily, folding her arms in defence. He looked at her with glassy eyes and a wonky smile. It was easy to know when House had had too much.
"And...?" He replied, innocently. "I'm hungry now." Moving past him, she turned on the coffee maker and took a mug from the cupboard above it.
"You need to have this and go in the shower before you make a complete fool of yourself."
"No I did not." His eyebrows furrowed and he also crossed his arms.
"Not made, make!" she chuckled in spite of herself. "Here," she passed him the cup now full of the steaming hot beverage. "I want you to drink all of it okay?"
"Guess..." He mumbled while taking the handle that was offered to him. "You are looking especially pretty tonight Allie"
She smiled again.
"Don't try to be cute and win me over. I'm not talking to you until you can speak full sentences. Is that clear?" He sighed and nodded sadly.
"I was speaking as clearly as I could; now you made me sound stupid."
"Okay," she chuckled again and patted his shoulder on leaving the kitchen. "Whatever you say" House frowned and looked into the cup of coffee. He drank the whole lot as quickly as he could before walking through to the bathroom. While under the influence House was pretty pliable. He showered with speed too, and found his clothes laid out for him on the bed. Cameron was still playing with her hair in the mirror when he limped through.
"Wow," he muttered, impressed. She turned to him and gave a short, sweet smile to which he returned. Cameron was now fully dressed.
"Are you feeling better?"
"What?" House asked before putting on his shirt. "Oh, no... I'm more sober now if that's what you mean."
"Good."
"You look beautiful." He added while doing up his buttons, a little more slowly than perhaps than he did this morning. Cameron blushed; whenever House complimented her honestly she couldn't help but glow all over.
"Thank you." She moved from the full-length mirror to the other side of the bed and picked up the black bowtie. "Collar up" He complied. She began the series of twists and turned that would produce a perfect knot. House lifted his chin up and felt her knuckles brush against his chin.
"How is our little miss today?"
"She's been quiet, a couple of kicks here and there, but I think she saving it until I get to sleep."
"As long as she doesn't disrupt my beauty sleep she can kick all she wants." The bowtie complete, Cameron stepped back and admired the knot before heading over to the closet. House pulled on his pants that were folded on the bed watching her from a far. She was retrieving his silver handled cane.
"I'm glad you care about me that much," She rolled her eyes and walked out of the bedroom, only pausing to throw the cane on the bed. "Here,"
"Thank you darling," the term of endearment rolled uneasily off the tongue causing House to stand still for a moment and wonder what on earth caused him to say it. Cameron too found it strange to hear, but rather than consider the reason why she shrugged and continued her journey to the kitchen. House was still rooted on the spot. He'd never been good with words, and he usually got away with saying compliments by including them in jokes. This had been a joke of sorts; he was being sarcastic –right?
"Greg," Her voice echoed into the bedroom. He picked up his cane and wandered to the hallway. She stood in the kitchen holding out another mug of coffee. Cameron smiled. "I think you still might be a little tipsy, here." He smiled and accepted the mug with his left hand. That's why he loved her. She could make a joke at him, with him. She made him feel at ease. She loved him back.
"A little..." He replied softly while watching her fiddle with the curls in her hair. He lent forwards and slapped her fingers lightly. "Stop it, you look fine." His jacket was folded over the arm of the sofa and Cameron had wandered over to give it to him. She smiled at him as he put it on.
"You look so sexy in a tux," she murmured before leaning forwards to kiss him. He let his lips caress hers for a while before he heard the sound of knocking at the door. They broke away. "I ordered a taxi, so you can drink and I don't have to drive." He nodded, put down his coffee and entered the sitting room. Cameron moved to the cupboard to get her coat before they both left. He stopped in mid-step however when he noticed the tree.
"We have lots of presents under the tree, are any of them mine?"
Cameron smiled and pulled him out the door.
"No... Were you expecting any?" He scowled before moving outside towards the cab. She shut the door and followed him.
The taxi sped through Princeton towards the Hospital giving little chance for the pair to talk. House had remained tight-lipped since he'd been told he had no presents, causing Cameron to sigh and explain that yes she did love him, and yes there were presents under the tree with his name on . He brightened up after that.
Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital looked festive on the outside as well as in. The pathway up to the foyer had four large evergreen pines sprinkled with fairy lights and gold baubles. Snow from earlier dusted the ground. The sound of a live band echoed from within and the smell of roast turkey was also not too far away.
"I hate these things..." House muttered while hold Cameron's hand and heading inside. She knew how much he loathed public displays and wearing formal clothes just sealed the deal. She squeezed his hand.
"One night," she replied softly. "And then tomorrow you can sit on the sofa and watch General Hospital till your heart's content. "Who knows," she added while watching the hanging mistletoe above the reception. "You might even get lucky."
"I better." He said before spotting Wilson charming a group of nurses. "God, he's started already" Cameron giggled as Wilson spotted them and waved more frantically than usual.
"I think he's been captured by the nurses from the ER."
"Well it's his own damn fault, and it's not like he doesn't want the attention." House waved back before walking through the makeshift bar. Sitting with a pretty blonde was Chase.
"What can I get you?" Asked a rather cheery barman who was dressed in a dinner suit with a red silk waistcoat. House opted for a Southern Comfort while ordering a Cranberry juice for Cameron. She tried her best to get on the stool, but after two attempts she thought it was best to stand. Chase exchanged a smile with Cameron before moving off with his date towards the dance floor.
"I think you scared him off," She jested while sipping from her drink through a straw.
"I think he's still worried that I always intend to set out and ruin his night, like I care that much either way." House nudged her to move towards the marked tables for where they would be eating. Diagnosticians had been placed towards the back, which House was rather happy about. They sat down and changed the other seating arrangements so that neither had to sit next to Chase. Cameron smiled as Foreman and his date joined them.
"Hey" She said before thinking about waving, and then deciding against it by reaching out for her drink instead.
"Hey," Foreman replied a little less enthusiastically before pulling out both chairs and sitting down. House nodded and sipped from his drink, briefly noticing that the woman was familiar.
"You work here?" House enquired after letting them take a sip from the poured water on the tables. She nodded and held out a dainty hand.
"Wendy Mathews... I'm the new nurse in Peds." He thought about not shaking it until Cameron kicked his left calf, and then did so curtly. Cameron did the same.
"His Wendy, I'm Cameron." She paused. "How do you like it here?" She asked the nurse, while wondering how quickly Foreman must have acted in order to be able to invite her to the dinner.
"Mmm it's very nice; the people who work here are so welcoming." Foreman snorted.
"Most of them are, yes." Wendy looked at Foreman, a little confused, but then turned her attention back to House.
"You're Dr. House, right?" He nodded slowly. "I've heard a lot about you,"
"All good I hope." He muttered while watching his oldest duckling squirm.
"Uh..." she blushed. "I've heard you're the best doctor here." House smirked, "But well..."
"You've heard that I'm a bastard right?" He turned to Cameron. "Allie, am I a bastard?" She looked at House and then back at Wendy.
"At work he can be, yes, most of the time he's evil." He clutched his heart and whined.
"No way, I'm delightful... I'm so hurt, and it's nearly Christmas." He looked sad. "No one should be sad at Christmas." Cameron rolled her eyes but then smiled.
"He can be nice if he wants to." That was the best answer Cameron was giving. She noticed Chase and his date arrive as well as watching the rest of the guests find their tables. With Foreman sitting on Cameron's left and House on her right and Wendy in between Foreman and Chase, the unknown female sat next to House.
She was very pretty, delicate and slender. Her golden curls fell off her shoulders and her silver strapless number showed off a beautiful body. Chase introduced her as Catherine and a primary school teacher.
Cameron clenched, she used to be that thin.
And House noticed. He reached for her hand hidden under the table and squeezed it briefly. He wondered if she would turn jealous or something, causing her temper to get out of hand... again. He wasn't sure if her fear of making a scene was strong enough to prevent her from throwing wine over the new girl.
Luckily however the food arrived. Cameron was more interested from then on in the grilled king prawns. The rest of the meal went quickly; it was nice enough to not leave plates full, but not so good that they couldn't comment on its inadequacies between courses.
When the music returned after the obligatory speeches, Chase and Foreman took their dates off to dance while House and Cameron tracked down Wilson and Cuddy. They were busily chatting with other senior staff members. It looked boring.
"Hey Wilson," House said while stealing the freshly poured bourbon from within the oncologist's grasp. Although momentarily stunned, Wilson quickly recovered and snatched it back after House had drunk a large mouthful.
"House, for god sake, get your own." Cameron chuckled and sat between Wilson and Cuddy in the only empty chair.
"I was trying to," House jested while placing his cane on the back of her chair. He looked to his right. "And how are you Cuddles?" Cuddy, who'd been speaking with a benefactor, scowled darkly.
"Just fine, thank you Dr. House"
"Have you seen the mistletoe yet, Dr. Cuddy...? Or have you already been under it?" The whole table groaned, and a well aimed punch to the House's side quickly made the doctor wince. "Hey," Wilson stared at him, but the amount of alcohol already pumping through the oncologist's system caused him to chuckle as well.
Cuddy, on the other hand, was not amused. She sent House an icy stare that suggested he would be regretting his words tomorrow, but then cleverly brushed it off and returned to her conversation with the newest money man. House noticed the music tempo increase, and the remaining people on most of the tables left to dance; or to mingle. He chose to talk to the few senior members of staff who he hadn't disgusted or annoyed or blackmailed as of yet. He could count them on one hand.
Later everyone had retreated to the edges of the dance floor, only those who could not stand up straight ventured into the shiny square. Funnily enough, Wilson was one of them. Cameron felt the temperature steadily increase in the room due to the increasing number of people in such a small space that she decided to get some air. She grabbed House's sleeve and tugged it so she could speak into his ear.
"Going up to the balcony, it's too hot here." House nodded and pulled her back.
"Want me to come with you?" he asked while half-watching his friend as he staggered from a stool then towards them, nearly knocking a waiter in his path.
"No," she said smiling on seeing the oncologist begin to dance while walking. "You need to look after him, if he's too hung-over tomorrow that you can't gossip to him about tonight then I' have to endure it, and I don't care about whether a nurse is a good lay."
House chuckled heartily.
"I don't, we don't talk about that."
"Oh come off it," she argued before pointing to a rather young and handsome male surgeon. "Don't think I won't be talking to the female nurses about thattomorrow." She could feel his body tense beside her and she laughed too.
"You like him?"
Cameron couldn't help but laugh at his insecurities still. It was amusing.
"I'm carrying your baby, and I'm in love with you. If I mention in passing that I enjoy looking at a nice piece of lobby art, then it's only because you're rubbing off on me."
Although not exactly happy about what she said, Cameron did have a point so he let her go. She headed to the lifts faintly humming the chorus of White Christmas and was too busy in not noticing that Chase had headed up the stairs. When reaching the fourth floor and entering the conference room, he too had made it on the main corridor.
So it wasn't surprising then that Cameron nearly jumped out of skin when he spoke up.
"Hey Cameron,"
"Chase!" she touched her chest and tried to breathe again. "Jeez, when was it time to creep up on the pregnant woman and scare the life out of her?" She shook her head and moved through House's office and unlocked the door to the balcony.
"Sorry," he said faintly before moving after her. Before she stepped out, the phone rang. It wasn't especially late, but far too late for any stranger to even think House could still be working. Although usually House could be in his office all night if there was an exciting enough case to keep him occupied.
"Hello, Dr. Cameron speaking" Cameron answered while shooing Chase outside on hearing the caller's voice. "Hi Mrs. House, how lovely to hear from you" She felt her spine tingle as she wondered how House would react to her answering a call from his mother. "Are you okay?"
"Of course dear," She muttered with a pleasant chuckle. "And call me Blythe, you're family now."
"Oh-kay Blythe," Cameron added still not totally comfortable with the idea. "Greg's not here right now I'm afraid, but I can get him to ring you later... or tomorrow, probably tomorrow now."
"Oh, is he not?" there was a sigh. "Where is he then, he isn't making you still do his work at this time of night, is he?"
Cameron chuckled.
"No. We're at the annual Christmas Ball actually; he's downstairs playing the babysitter to a rather tipsy Dr. Wilson." Blythe laughed again. "I'm only here by chance to get some fresh air and some water."
"Oh I see... Well the reason for calling was to thank you for the ultrasound pictures... and I do mean you more than Greg as I know for a fact that wasn't his writing on the envelope." Cameron remembered that day well, although she'd rather forget it completely. "I would've contacted you earlier, but we went upstate to visit my sister."
"That sounds nice. Was it good?"
"As can be expected from a younger sister who usually sets things on fire when cooking?" Cameron gasped. "Luckily we didn't have to call the fire-services this time."
"Oh, well I guess, that's... good, that's good." Cameron wondered why House hadn't mentioned this obviously spontaneous and exciting woman before. "How's J...John?"
"He's fine..." there was a lengthy sigh. "I haven't shown him the picture yet Allison. I'm sure he'll come round soon enough, but Greg didn't..."
"I know," She replied softly. "I know what he said. Hopefully things will change,"
"We can only hope dear," Cameron heard lots of rustling and a door being shut down the line. "I'll speak to you soon, Allison. Merry Christmas"
"Merry Christmas Blythe" Cameron returned the handset to the phone holder before heading outside. It was certainly chilly.
"Who was that?" Chase asked, while looking out on the city lights. It looked very pretty during the festive season.
"Uh, House's mom... she was thanking me for the ultrasound pictures that I sent her"
"Oh..kay" His left fingers played with his cufflinks of the opposite hand. "Why aren't you downstairs?"
"I could ask you the same question, but I'm here to cool down. It's way too hot down there for a small hippopotamus." Chase chuckled as well as shaking his head.
"You're not a hippo... you're perfect for a mother-to-be."
"Yeah right," she muttered. "So what's your excuse?"
"My date is throwing up in the lavatory downstairs."
"Ah,"
"And so I've left her with a couple of friends. She was a little too giggly for my tastes." Cameron smiled and too looked out onto the city.
"You have a taste?" Chase turned and looked her up and down, she may not have been looking at him, but she definitely felt his eyes.
"Yes." Cameron let her head fall slightly and she sighed.
"Chase..." She warned half-heartedly. "You're being stupid. I'm not, I'm not who you want." Turning slightly, she then waved her hand back and forth as a gesture between them, "This will never happen. Ever"
"You think you know everything..." he replied softly. "You think you know what and who you want. I don't think that what you have is what you need."
"Oh, and you know better?" Cameron replied a little more snappily than before. "Have you decided that it's you who I need? How blinded are you Chase?"
"He isn't..." Chase stopped and too sighed in anguish. He'd never wanted her to know his true feelings before, but here he was opening his heart. This was his chance to win her back.
Assuming he had her in the first place.
"He isn't right for you," He tried again. "You've been clouded by something, I don't think you know what love is... and so you've mistaken it for something else."
"Oh god Chase!" she snapped angrily this time. "You think I've been dragged along all this time, I've been drugged by lust?" Cameron could not help by laugh. It was dry and sharp to the ears. "You don't understand, he's not who you think he is."
"He's not-"
"What? Perfect? Nobody is..."
"You are." Chase said, and Cameron's words caught in her throat. He'd said the words she'd never wanted to hear from him. He was obviously in love with her, and her stomach flipped. She would have to hurt him.
"I think I know what love is Chase. The fact that Greg," and she used his first name purposely. "Dislikes intimacy in pubic suggests doesn't mean he doesn't love me." She paused. "When we kiss it's like a small fire in the inside of me exploding and when we embrace the warmth is unexplainable. I can read him better than anyone else, and vice versa. Yesterday we just sat together watching the snow outside the window and there was nothing I could wish for that would've made that moment better. He makes me feel complete." She paused and shook her head. "I'm not sure what else I can tell you that will assure you both his and my intentions are pure, but perhaps she might satisfy your curiosity." Cameron rubbed her belly. "I know what love is Chase."
Chase could not believe that that the woman in front of him was in love with his boss. It made no sense, and yet here they were arguing about it. His knowledge of the man in question was brief but concise; he was selfish and arrogant, spitefully sincere and rude. House was clever and good at his job, and possibly the piano although he'd never heard him play, and he was also good at hurting people.
And being alone
The clouds above were gathering, and it was getting chilly. Down below he knew of many women willing to share his bed tonight. But the one opposite him was not one of those, she had chosen someone else. And that wasn't going to change soon. He shook his head, letting his curls of blonde locks fall into place. Cameron was watching him through glazed eyes.
"I'm sorry Chase, but we were never meant to be."
"But..."
"I hope we can still be friends of sorts in the near future, but right now I don't want to have to bring this up." She touched his arm making him flinch. "You'll find someone else, someone who'll give you a greater feeling of happiness. I'm sorry"
"I doubt th-" The sound of a gathering of people speaking in loud voices in the conference room caused both doctors to turn on the spot and head inside. Through the door between House's office and the rest of the department Cameron and Chase could see the usual suspects charging around the scene.
Cuddy was already at the sink running cold water, while Foreman was busily pushing Wilson to sit on one of the chairs. Surprisingly he had a bleeding lip and was babbling incoherently. House was limping over to the medical supplies which were terrifyingly sparse for an office in a hospital.
"Wilson, sit down for god's sake!" House said snappily while reaching for something off a shelf. He turned to find his friend still scrambling to get up. "If you don't sit down when I count to three, I'm going to give you another black eye and then inject you with something, anything, that'll cause you to lose consciousness. You want to toy with your life then be my guest. 1... 2..." Wilson quickly fell down onto the arm of the chair, toppling over and landing hard onto the floor. Foreman had found his way down onto the carpet too since his grip was still locked around Wilson's arm. "...3, Good enough"
Cuddy reached down with a wet wash cloth and cleaned up the bloody mess on his face. Cameron walked in slowly and smiled at House who was filling up a vial, of something.
"What happened?"
"He decided to pick a fight with one of the security men. Unfortunately he picked the one that was already unhappy... what's the Wombat doing over there?" House's eyes turned to slits as he suspiciously inspected Chase.
"We were chatting... is Wilson okay?"
"He will be," House replied satisfied taking the refilled syringe and emptying it into Wilson's bloodstream. Cuddy slapped House's shoulder and glared into his blue, devilish eyes.
"What the hell was that for?" She snarled while watching the oncologist quickly slip into unconsciousness. Foreman let go of his arm and stood up slowly. He shook his head, although he wasn't totally surprised.
"To get him to stay still for a while... a punch to the face and stomach could have been fatal to an unfit man like Wilson." Cuddy wasn't pleased.
"What was it?" She bent down to check his pulse and breathing. House smiled.
"He'll be fine if that's what you're wondering. It was Etomidate... he'll be out 15 minutes top."
"Yeah, and with the amount of alcohol in his bloodstream?" He thought for a moment. Cuddy's eyebrows rose with scepticism while House created an acceptable answer. She waved him off. "Whatever mess you've made you'll have to clear up. I want you to be on watch duty until he's awake, and then proper checks. Okay?" House groaned but reluctantly agreed. "I want you guys to take Wilson into his office and Cameron if you take the medical kits..." She sighed. "One night when I think I'll have to look after you, it's then Wilson who attempts to drown himself in Whisky's... I'll be downstairs is he has a fit or something."
"Charming," House replied while following the trio of men and Cameron into the next office.
Slowly Foreman and Chase lowered the oncologist down on to his sofa while House rummaged around in Wilson's desk. Cameron sat down on the coffee table and pulled on a stethoscope. The two other fellows watched her take his readings and nod confidently.
"He's okay."
"I said he would be," House stated while pulling out a bottle of Jack Daniels. Foreman looked over in surprise.
"Does... does Wilson drink often?" House chuckled.
"Having second thoughts on boy wonder over there?" He shook his head. "No, this is mine. He told me that I'm hard enough to control when I'm sober... or something equally downgrading. He hid it poorly, and now I've found it." House unscrewed the bottle top and filled a clean mug with a good serving. "Wilson's fine, he's just drunk too much tonight... he drinks little enough for a little more to affect him a lot." Foreman nodded.
"I'll be downstairs... coming Chase?" The Australian doctor was busily exchanging eye contact with Cameron, and both Foreman and House watched it inquisitively.
"Yeah..." he smiled before heading to the door. "Night" Cameron touched Wilson's arm and felt again for his pulse. She counted softly while reading her watch before smiling and letting go.
"That was awkward." House said while sipping from his mug and joining her on the coffee table. He lent his cane against Wilson.
"What was?"
"You and Chase." House put down his mug and started to undo the bowtie.
"Chase and I are fine." He laughed while tucking the silk tie into his jacket pocket. Cameron changed her tactics. "Chase is... Chase is Chase."
"As in, he made a mistake?" She chuckled and leant against his shoulder. House wrapped an arm around her protectively as they both watched Wilson lay still.
"Yes. He made a mistake, and I corrected him. All is well."
"Good." House pulled the stethoscope from her neck and placed then on top of the green medical box. "So he won't be thinking he's got a chance with you anymore, will he?" She pulled away from the hold and looked at him.
"How... how do you, do that?"
"Read into things?" she nodded. "I can read your body language better than anyone else. And Chase wouldn't have been awkward around you unless something personal happened on the balcony. I put two and two together..." he shrugged.
"And made four" Cameron returned to the embrace and sighed. "Are you going to make his life a misery?"
"Nooo..." House smirked. "Possibly, I haven't decided yet. Actually to be perfectly honest I think I do that already, and I'm lazy enough to not want to put in any extra work. You seem to have had a good attempt though."
"What should I have done –Jumped into his open arms and said, 'you're right Chase, of course you're so right, I want to run into the sunset with you... although I'm carrying another man's baby and I'm in love with her father I should obviously be with you'" she said snappily. "I put him down the best I could"
"I hope you did otherwise work tomorrow is going to be horrible."
"Like it isn't already... I think Chase hates you."
"Of course he does... I got the girl didn't I?" Cameron hit his arm.
"Have you bought my Christmas present yet?"
"Is is Christmas day yet?"
"No..."
"Well then you don't need to know..." she growled but left it at that.
"Your mom called earlier."
"Wha... really?"
"Yes" she smirked now pleased with herself.
"What she say?"
"Wanted to know if we'd set the date of our wedding yet." House's face screwed up and he looked a little pale. She giggled. "Kidding, kidding... she got the ultrasound pictures."
"Oh,"
"She likes them."
"Of course she does. What about... him?" Cameron shook her head.
"Your mom is keeping it under wraps for now." He sighed. "Have you thought anymore about names?"
"Um..." Cameron's eyes lit up as she realised in that very moment that House had been thinking about it, for ages.
"Want to talk it?" House glanced away.
"Wilson... shouldn't we be looking after him?"
"He's still unconscious, he's fine. Tell me, what do you think?" House smiled.
"You know your grandmother, Madeline?" she nodded. "Well, I think it would be nice to you know remember her... keep her name going." Cameron squealed happily and started to pepper kisses over his face.
"Really? Are you sure?" She looked over him concerned, but House was happy. "I don't want to pressure you with it."
"You're not. I lik-love the name" He lent forwards and kissed her delicately on her neck, just above the Suprasternal notch. In response House thought he felt Cameron purr. He kissed her again and smiled.
They both looked down at the large stomach and smiled.
"Madeline," Cameron whispered.
"Madeline," She embraced House in a loose hug, as they kissed again. She hadn't envisioned finding out her daughter's name while sitting on a coffee table looking after an unconscious colleague, but at least it hadn't been under boring circumstances. A groan erupted from the sofa and both House and Cameron turned towards it. Wilson's eyes were hazy and his face was pale, but he could still realise when he didn't want to be in the vicinity of two people making-out.
"Guys, can you keep your hands off each other until I'm out of the room please?"
Thanks for reading... happy new year! Martini xx