Disclaimer: You all know it-- not mine. See Pt. I
A/N: I have been a little wary because, we'll, side stories have the potential to verge on "gooey" and, I don't wanna go there. There are currently six or seven parts to this piece in total (but only in my notebook). They will be added on eventually. Thanks to those who commented. I hope you enjoy :)
"What's up?" Cameron asked, drifting into the conference room where Chase and Foreman were seated, waiting for her.
Chase looked up, "Nothin'. There was this guy looking for you, I wanted to let you know".
Cameron frowned slightly in vague awe.
"I know" she laughed dryly, "you pulled me away from him to tell me he was looking for me?"
Chase shrugged.
"Sorry-- didn't know".
Cameron shook her head and turned to leave.
"A guy, huh?" came Foreman's mocking tone.
"What guy?"
Cameron turned, sighing.
"Whatever it is you're thinking, I can assure you it's not" she said flatly, crossing her arms over her stomach.
Foreman tilted his head to the left and looked up at her, a glimmer of interest in his dark eyes. He shrugged slightly.
"Hey-- who says I'm thinking anything?" he teased.
"I'm only pointing out that when a man comes to your place of work in the middle of the day..." he shrugged again.
Cameron rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"What is it with men?" she demanded.
"You can't seriously have sex on the brain all of the time-- where would you store sports statistics?"
Foreman laughed.
"Did I say anything about sex? You seem a little defensive.."
Chase smirked.
"Right-- maybe he's a former patient" he joked, then frowned seriously, "is he a former patient?"
Cameron tilted her head and surveyed the two men seated before her.
"No, he's not..." she stammered, unsure of where to go from here. She didn't have to justify her private life to these two.
"He's here" Chase said, looking past Cameron.
Foreman looked up, through the glass wall, and took in the tall man standing behind Cameron.
"Hmmm.." he mused, "is he really your type? I mean.. he seems kinda young" he teased.
Cameron spun around, uncrossing her arms, and exited the room, casting a fierce glance over her shoulder as she did so.
"Mark-- what...?"
"I'm sorry, I don't want to keep you. I should have known better than to bother you at work, I mean, you're a Doctor now..." he said quietly.
"No, no" Cameron insisted.
"It's no trouble" she frowned back at Chase and Foreman once more, "things here are just a little..."
"Hectic?" Mark offered.
"I was going to say juvenile" Cameron smiled.
As if on cue, Foreman and Chase appeared behind Cameron.
"Hi" Chase interrupted, "we haven't really been introduced" he began, extending a hand.
Cameron sighed and turned to face her colleagues, forcing a smile.
"Mark Caster, Drs. Chase and Foreman; we work together".
"Ah, yes. Hi" Mark said, shaking. He smiled bravely, enduring the pleasantries.
"Nice to meet you both".
Foreman nodded and gave Cameron a sideway glance.
"I think House wants us inside" he said slowly, surveying 'Mark' out of the corner of his eye.
Cameron turned to find House seated at the conference table, right leg propped up on the surface.
Cameron smiled grimly at Foreman, "I'll be right back".
Turning round, she took Mark's arm and lead him down the hallway towards the elevators.
"How long are you going to be in town?" she asked softly-- Chase and Foreman had not yet re-entered the office.
Mark shrugged.
"A couple of days, maybe" he said.
"I haven't found a room yet-- just got in and..."
Cameron smiled.
"You'll stay with me. It's a couch, but it's free, and comfortable-- includes complimentary continental breakfast, cable TV, and occasional trips down memory lane".
Mark leaned in closer, wrapping an arm around her thin waist.
"Couch?" he pouted playfully.
Cameron smacked his hand away and shook a disapproving finger at him.
"Don't you start. Here." She stopped at the nurses' station and grabbed paper and pen.
Jotting down her address and directions, she un-clipped her house key and gave it to him.
"I'm off at five-- I should be home by 5:30 or so. Maybe 6. Help yourself to anything" she said.
Mark smiled and leaned forward, placing a light kiss on her porcelain cheek.
"Thanks, gidg. See ya later".
Cameron rolled her eyes and turned round, still smiling, to find Chase and Foreman entering the conference room, laughing together.
"Damn!"
