Disclaimer: See Chp. I

A/N: Part VI, one more to go. I hope those of you who are reading are enjoying :)
Thanks for all the comments :)


Cameron's breath hitched. Why oh why hadn't she told him!

The table grew silent. Houses' intent gaze remained fixed on Cameron, searching her face for a reaction. Chase gaped like a school boy. Finally Foreman broke the silence.

"Husband? You're married?" He looked at Cameron, shock evident on his face. Cameron swallowed and forced into her lungs.

"I..." her voice was rough, "I was" she managed.

Her limp hand fell from Mark's knee. She gripped her martini and brought it to her lips, trembling slightly. Mark glanced about the stunned table-- only House appeared unfazed; his eyes were fixed on Cameron.

"You mean..." he began quietly, "you never told them?" he asked, leaning towards her.

Cameron fought back a sudden feeling of nausea and shrugged, forcing a weak smile.

"It was a long time ago-- I didn't consider it pertinent" she responded, loud enough for everyone to hear.

She was floundering. She brought her eyes swiftly to focus on House who was still studying her pale face. His eyes were soft. House shrugged, taking a sip of his beer.

"Married? No kidding?" he scoffed, "Wilson's been married three times, maybe he can give you some pointers" he nudged his friend with his elbow.

Wilson rolled his eyes, "here we go..." he said dryly.

House knit his brow and peered at Wilson through the haze.

"I still insist that's why you dragged me here tonight-- scoping out potential wife number four?" he teased.

"You have a foul mind" Wilson laughed, crunching a nacho.

"Well, it certainly makes for an interesting day" Foreman interjected.
"We might not agree, but we're seldom bored". He raised his glass in Houses' direction before drinking.

House pursed his lips displaying large, 'puppy-dog' eyes.

"That is... the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me" he toyed.

Chase laughed and leaned forward to grab a handful of nachos.

"So, wait. Let me get this straight" Chase began, looking intently at Cameron.

Allison held her breath, please, God no...

"You're a dancer?" he questioned in a shocked tone.

Cameron released a relived laugh and shook her head.

"I was" she corrected.

"Oh... don't let her fool you" Mark beamed, happy to keep the conversation moving.

"She started ballet when she was seven, and won the Junior Nationals in Ballroom when she was fourteen" he bragged.

Wilson raised a brow in awe. Foreman and Chase laughed.
Cameron met Houses' azure gaze across the table and exhaled slowly. Amid the conversation, she mouthed a silent 'thank-you'.

"You know, you look like the dancer type" Foreman said before swallowing more of his beer.

House laughed dryly. "With a body like that" he scoffed, "frankly I'm shocked".


It was several hours before the party left. Cameron yawned and rested her head on her hands. She was alone-- the lone woman at a table of men. The madness which had ensued was all but overwhelming. But, regardless, the evening had been an enjoyable one. Mark reached up and squeezed her shoulders gently. She groaned softly and turned her head to look at him with a soft smile.

"You're looking a little faded there, cutie" he teased.

Cameron chuckled.

"It's been a long time since I've done this" she said, "my body's not used to it".

"Oh! You've gotten so boring Dr.Cameron" Mark scoffed.

"That's what I keep telling her" House teased, but his eyes were not so playful as he looked at the two of them across the table.

"When we were in school, this girl would do a couple rounds of tequila and then jump up on the bar and dance! Best show in town!" Mark laughed, giving her shoulders a final squeeze.

Cameron's complexion brightened with embarrassment. She leaned back in her chair and smacked him hard on the shoulder.

"Now that was uncalled for!" she scolded, unable to keep from laughing.

"Oh the bar?" Chase laughed.

"God, Cameron-- next time I'll drive, we've gotta get you drunk!"

Cameron laughed, covering her mouth and shaking her head: "Sorry, not gonna happen".

"Make sure you invite me along on that one" House leaned towards Chase. Wilson merely smiled as he watched the goings on.

"Oh! That's nothing!" Mark exclaimed.

"This girl took second place in the 'Junior Girls Wet T-shirt Contest and..."

"That's about enough!" Cameron cried, slapping a hand over his mouth.

"My, look at the time! We have to be at work in six hours so we're gonna go" she laughed, rising from her chair with her hand still covering Mark's mouth.

"Oh, just when it was getting good!" teased Foreman.

Cameron laughed and pulled on her coat as Mark did the same.

"Gimmie your e-mail, man" he smiled to Foreman, "I still have the pictures!".

Cameron smacked him again, harder this time, and tugged at his arm to lead him away from the table.

"Ooh... she's gettin' violent. Save it for the bedroom, baby" Mark teased.

Wilson laughed while House raised a brow, not turning to observe them leaving.

"It was really nice meeting you all" Mark smiled, playfully fighting off Cameron's pull while tossing a handful of bills on the table.

"Yeah, you too".
"Likewise"
"You two" echoed Foreman, Chase and Wilson.
House waved a hand dismissively over his shoulder and stood.

"She's right-- it is late. Wilson, unless you're walking, the 'House Express' is now boarding".

He turned, just in time to see Cameron and Mark leaving. Mark wrapped a familiar arm around Cameron's waist and bought his lips near her ear. Responding to the move, she leaned her head on his shoulder as they exited the bar.

House dropped a few bills on the table top: "See you two tomorrow" he said flatly.