Disclaimer: Nope.

A/N: This is taking place on the same day as the last chapter. You're lucky I got this chapter out today. My keyboard suddenly decided to go on strike, so I let it take a few hours to cool down. It seems that method works on people and technology. Enjoy! :)

Chapter 21 – Spreading the news

Cameron slowly opened her eyes and glanced at the alarm clock. It was five to seven, which meant she still had a couple of minutes before she had to get up. She was one of those people who had an internal alarm clock, therefore she only set an alarm when she was extremely tired. When she rolled on her back, her eyes caught her sleeping partner.

He was lying on his side, facing her, and by the looks of it, he was still sleeping deeply. The morning light permeated the room with its soft glow. She could feel it gently warming her skin and caressing House's face. He looked so peaceful; his face relaxed, lips slightly parted, his left arm hidden beneath the pillow. She felt the urge to touch him and has already moved her hand, when she faltered. The last thing she wanted was for him to wake up and catch her red-handed. She rested her hand back on her stomach and sighed, taking a few more moments to indulge herself before she had to get up.

* * *

Cameron was making the morning batch of coffee when she heard someone enter the office.

"Morning," Chase greeted her, disposing of his bag before he walked up to her.

She immediately tensed. He was the last person she wanted to be alone with right now.

"Morning," she returned the greeting with fake politeness.

Oblivious to her inner turmoil, Chase poured himself a cup of coffee and smiled at her.

"So, how was your weekend?" he asked her after taking a sip of the black liquid.

"It was fine and yours?" she continued with the small talk.

"Pretty good." He hesitated before asking her, "I was wondering… Would you like to go for a drink after work?"

She knew this was coming sooner or later and of course he chose the perfect timing. Yet, the hopeful look on his face tugged at her heart.

"I can't," she said in her most apologetic tone.

Chase quickly masked the fleeting look of disappointment that crossed his face and tried once more, "Tomorrow?"

"I can't… the day doesn't matter."

Chase looked at her strangely. "Can't or won't?"

'Both,' Cameron thought, but refrained herself from saying it.

"Can't," she repeated.

"Why not?" Chase persisted.

Cameron looked into her cup of coffee. Unfortunately, it didn't offer her any inspiration.

"I'm married," she answered after a while.

When she looked at Chase's face, she could see a quick change from confusion to hurt and a bit of anger.

"Look, if you don't want to go, just say it. You don't have to lie to me," he accused her.

"I'm not lying," Cameron defended.

"Right, all of a sudden you're married. That's just great."

"I married this Friday if you must know," she shot back.

"And who's the lucky guy if I may ask?" he inquired sardonically.

"House," she answered, not meeting his eyes.

Upon hearing that, Chase started laughing, apparently assuming all of this was a joke.

When Chase was still gasping for air, trying to control his laughing fit, Foreman entered.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

Taking a few deep breaths, Chase let him in on the joke, "Cameron claims she married House on Friday."

Glancing at Cameron's abashed face, Foreman chuckled.

"Does House know this? I mean, I'd want to be informed if my marital status changed overnight," Foreman joked and Chase fell victim to another fit of laughter.

Cameron threw her hands in the air and said, "You know what, just forget it."

She picked up her cup and walked into House's office, planning to sort the mail.

* * *

"That's it!" House said and turned away from the whiteboard to look at his team. Finding the offending member, he pierced him with his stare.

"OK, I know I'm hot and frankly, I'm flattered that you think so as well… perhaps we can meet for a drink some time. But could you stop checking me out, it makes it difficult to concentrate on diagnosing the patient."

"I wasn't…" Chase sputtered, clearly alarmed at the idea.

"You weren't the one stripping me with your eyes?"

"No," Chase defended, appalled.

"Hmm, then it must have been one of you two," House said, looking at Cameron and Foreman.

He fixed his eyes on Cameron, "Nothing to be ashamed of, sweetheart. You're allowed to do this now. Not that I'd mind it before."

Foreman raised his eyebrow at her and she blushed, uncomfortable with all this attention.

House smirked and turned back at the whiteboard.

Chase didn't even as much as lift his eyes from the table till the end of the DDX.

* * *

Gathering some possible ideas, House ordered Chase and Foreman with tests while conveniently forgetting Cameron. The guys looked at each other, about to question his orders, when House walked straight to Cameron and kissed her.

Cameron could hear a gasp of surprise from their audience and decided that she'll have to talk to House about his 'news delivering' methods. Later, though. At the moment she rather enjoyed being trapped between the table and House's body. She slid her hands around his neck, allowing his tongue entrance. There was a vague sound of scurrying in the distance.

When their lips parted, she spoke softly, "They're not here anymore."

Still holding her in his arms, House answered, "Good."

He lingered for a few more seconds, before letting go of her. "You should hurry up after them. Wouldn't want them to think I'm going easy on you."

She gave him a smile and left, still a bit shaken up.

* * *

House barged into Wilson's office and without any preamble, asked him, "Can you send me that picture from the wedding?"

Wilson grinned widely.

"Not for that reason," House grimaced, keen on preserving his dignity.

"Why do you need it then?"

House smirked. "You'll see."

Wilson crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not sending you the picture if you don't tell me why you need it."

House sighed exasperatedly. "You'll probably know it by the end of the day."

* * *

Several hours later, the photo found its way on the notice board and the news spread like wildfire through the hospital.

A/N: Next chapter: by the end of the week, already have an outline.