Chapter 53

After settling the situation in Cuddy's office, Wilson was back to treating House and Anne began working in Neonatal. In fact, Wilson's "flipping out" incident was the best thing for all three of them: the bond between Anne and Wilson was as strong as ever; House and Anne were even closer than before (if that were possible); and House and Wilson? There was an unspoken understanding, one that said more than words ever could.

Wilson was completely amazed at House's transformation; House was more understanding and less verbal, almost as if he were contemplating instead of speaking. This transformation even spilled into House's health.

In fact, when Wilson finally examined House, he was surprised at the progress of the cancer.

"Amazing," Wilson whispered as he wrote in House's chart while House put his shirt back on.

"What?"

"The cancer. The progress has slowed though it's still spreading. It looks like marrying Anne was the best thing for you." Wilson admitted a bit reluctantly.

House, having finished dressing, looked down at his wedding ring. "So what are you saying?"

"You could have a month more. But we'll have an appointment every week; we've got to monitor the progression. Keep in mind that, although you might have more time, it can incapacitate you at any moment. That does mean you can be lazy and play with your yo-yo; video games…"

"Internet porn?"

Wilson narrowed his eyes. "You better not."

"So, Doc, the appointments each day in the cafeteria, where you buy me lunch and steal your food…" House grabbed his cane and thumped it against the linoleum, a certain spring in those thumps, "…that's not the appointment you mean, right?"

Same ole' House. "Not exactly." Wilson looked at his watch. 12:30 p.m. "Wanna grab Anne and meet me for lunch?"

"I'd love to grab Anne…it's only been six hours since we've grabbed each other. Oh so long…" House grinned and Wilson groaned. If felt so good to be on speaking terms again, for both of them…even if one just insults and the other rolls his eyes.

*****

And thus began another routine: the three of them had lunch everyday. And it was at one of these lunches that the duckling situation got interesting…

House grabbed Anne's burger and took a huge chunk out. She shrieked and took it away from him. "What are you doing?!!? The way you're eating people would think I wasn't feeding you."

He grinned and, grabbing a French fry from Wilson's tray, sending it sailing at his wife. "I'm a growing boy. You feed me VERY well." Wilson groaned at the implication and Anne didn't have time to react when a small voice said, "House? I need to speak with you."

They turned around to find Cameron standing there, fidgeting like she was nervous. She eyed the group and that deep-seeded jealousy for the time he spent with others instead of her arose…again. House eyed her. "We're busy. Go away."

"Greg!!" Anne reprimanded her husband, something she did more every day than breathing.

Cameron smiled sadly. "It's ok Anne. I'm used to it." She turned to House who'd gone back to eating his wife's burger. "I really need to talk to you." House looked back and saw she wasn't moving.

He sighed and stood up. "Fine." He turned to the group. "Distract the hall monitor. I'm making a break for it." He grinned and winked at Anne then took off for the exit, his duckling waddling to keep up.

They were completely silent until they reached his office, almost as if all business had to be conducted in that room. House hobbled to his desk and, putting his leg up, looked at his beautiful underling. "So whatcha need little girl?"

"Why did you marry her?"

*****

Because House was…HOUSE…he wasn't easily surprised, especially since it was Cameron. But, at least with Cameron, he usually had some warning of where she was going; she never shot from the dark.

"Ummm…" he paused and looked at her. "…why do you care?" She wasn't prepared to answer that, as much as she knew how House would respond. Her silence told him as much. "You're an idiot to come in here and ask a question like that, then expect to not elaborate. You've known me how long?" House stood up and went to the front of his desk, to stand beside her.

All she said was, "Just once more…let me…" but she didn't continue.

Now he was completely confused and what happened next was something he'd never expected…

Slowly, Cameron lifted fingers to his scruff, tracing the jaw line. Encouraged by his sudden intake of breath, she leaned up and blew along his lips, making them fall apart. This was just enough encouragement: she lifted herself the few centimeters to his lips and urgently kissed him, moving her lips hungrily over his and demanding entrance of her tongue. Not quite sure what was happening (since it had suddenly became the Cameron Twilight Zone), House placed his large hands on her waist and pulled her slightly closer.

"Are you exchanging gum or checking her tonsils?"

The pair broke apart and turned to find Anne leaning against the doorway, her eyebrow lifted, her stance rigid. With a sudden sense of déjà vu (the Greek God from Ohio sprang to both House's and Anne's minds), Anne turned on her heel and walked out.

*****