Disclaimer: Sadly, not mine. See Chp. I.

A/N: Okay, here it is, the FINAL chapter. After this, I don't have anything new written! And I'm studying for LSAT's, so I don't know if I will be able to write anything for a bit. I'll try; we'll see what my brain comes up with. :) I hope you enjoy.


Cameron sat at Houses' desk sifting through his assortment of mail. She picked up a cup of coffee and sipped its' soothing contents. House wandered in, turning his face to check the conference room for the boys-- they were thus far absent.

"Nothing of great importance" Cameron said, rising and handing him a stack of documents, "and you have a reference coming in from a Dr. Lipuwitz later this afternoon" she informed him.

House took the mail and nodded as he sat down wearily in his desk chair. Cameron turned to leave.

"So... Mark huh?" House said gruffly to her back.

Cameron turned to look at him-- his eyes were downcast, fixed on the papers before him.

"What about him?" she asked, exhaling wearily.

"Nothing".

Cameron frowned slightly and crossed her arms over her stomach defensively.

"It's not what you think-- regardless of what it looked like last night". Her voice was soft."Not that it's any of your buisness" she added more firmly.

House raised a brow.
"Did I say anything?" he asked, a teasing note of hurt in his deep voice.

Cameron sighed and turned to leave, dropping her arms to her sides. When she reached the door, his voice stopped her again.

"He knew your husband, your... James?" he questioned softly.

Cameron paused, hand on the cool glass of the office door.

"Yes" she said before turning slowly to face him.

"They were best friends. Mark was best man at our wedding".

House slowly nodded once.

"But, you haven't seen him..."

"Since the funeral" Cameron finished in a quiet voice.

House nodded again.

"I'm sorry about last night" he offered. "I take it you neglected to tell Mark that your coworkers didn't know?"

"No" she said, then sighed, "I never though of it".

House raised his brow before returning his attention to the documents before him.

"Thank you" Cameron said softly to the top of his head.

House looked up at her. She moved a few steps closer and sat down in the chair opposite his desk to face him.

"For what you did-- the joke-- you tried to change the subject".

"Well" he began frankly, "I figured the last thing we needed was some lengthy, heart-felt discussion about your painful past" he said simply.

Cameron smiled lightly.

"You saved me later though" she said gently, "Wilson's sordid married life? I owe you" she smiled.

House arched a coy brow.

"Really? How about copies of those 'wet t-shirt' photos?" he teased dryly.

Cameron's cheeks flushed but she maintained her dignity as she spoke seriously: "No, I think I'll save those for when you really deserve it" she smiled, almost playfully.

"How about lunch?" she asked, "I already know how you take your Reuben".

House frowned.

"Well... I suppose that's the next best thing" he said wryly. "No pickles".

Cameron smiled softly and rose to leave. The door closed soundlessly behind her leaving House alone.