Title: Aftermath

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Up to Babies and Bathwater.

Disclaimer: I don't own them. Any of them. At all. Capiche?

Summary: Cuddy saved the team and vanquished Vogler, but all is far from well.

Author's Note: Thanks a ton to all of you who reviewed. Sorry about the whole "Princeton is a city" thing, I never really looked into it. Please keep reviewing, it's always welcome and always appreciated. And a million and a half thank yous to CutMan, who had provided ideas and many, many laughs to me while I write this.

House, M.D.

House stole a glance at Cameron as he drove them back to the hospital. She was staring intently out the window - or not at him. He had the sneaking suspicion that the latter was true. They were close, and neither had said a word since they had climbed into the car. He was fairly certain she wouldn't be leaving the next morning, but he wouldn't be able to rest until he knew for certain. "We're here."

Cameron didn't look away, and as he drove into the gargage where Cameron had parked, he saw she was asleep. House tapped her on the shoulder, but she didn't wake up, "Damn, heavy sleeper," he muttered to himself. He leaned in and whispered in Cameron's ear, "Wake up, Cameron."

Cameron sat up fast, nearly hitting House in the process, "Oh my god, I didn't hit you, did I? I'm sorry, I was just so tired and I guess I dozed off and..."

House rolled his eyes, "I noticed. And no, you didn't."

"Oh. Good. Well, um... goodnight, I guess."

He watched as Cameron got out and did the same. When she stared at him, he responded, "I'll walk you."

"You don't need to, it's not that far."

House shrugged and got his cane out. When they got to Cameron's car, she bent down. "Shit..."

"Slashed tire?"

She nodded, a look of despair on her face.

House knew what was coming before she said it, before she even looked at him.

"I don't suppose you'd -"

"Yeah. Fine. Come on." He helped her up, and they walked back to the car together.

"I'm so sorry for making you go out of your way like this," Cameron started.

Oh, for God's sake. "Not your fault."

House, M.D.

When they arrived at Cameron's apartment building, she climbed out. After a second's pause, House followed her.

"I can walk myself."

"Oh, come on now. I know how badly you want to prove that you're a big girl, but this is ridiculous. Who knows what what kind of psychos are just waiting for a beautiful woman to be caught alone?" House retorted, only half joking.

"It's just up a few flights of stairs, House. I've done it before."

"Yeah, but at," House looked at his watch. Whoa. "two thirty in the morning?"

Cameron stared at him, stunned, "Two... thirty? It's half past two?"

"That is what I said, yes."

"Okay, I guess... I suppose you can walk me up."

House feigned offense, "Hey, don't act like you're doing me any favors."

He almost laughed as she said, "Of course, because it's completely beside the point that I'm indulging you."

House shrugged, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards in a semi-smile, "I like being indulged."

He followed when Cameron rolled her eyes, smiled, and turned around to walk up the stairs.

"You need help?" Cameron asked when they reached the stairs.

Although help would have been nice, and would have made his life somewhat easier, he declined, "I'll manage." And miss the chance to stare at her ass? Not a chance.

"Your decision."

House nodded and followed her up the stairs. When they reached Cameron's apartment, a feeling of deja vu washed over House. The last time he was here had been less than pleasant. Almost without realizing it, he stifled a yawn. "God, it's late."

"Tired?" Cameron asked, a sweetly curious look on her face.

He shrugged slightly, then after a moment, he gave in. "Yeah, shouldn't I be? I don't do this every night, you know."

Cameron shook her head slightly, he braid swinging back and forth. "Come in, you can crash here for the night."

Oh, this could be fun. Think, House. When was the last time a hot girl invited you to spend the night at her place? Oh yeah. Never. "Thanks, but no. I can make it home." That was probably a lie. Cameron's apartment was at least twenty-five minutes away from his, and he was likely to fall asleep at the wheel.

He resisted the urge to tense up when she grabbed his arm, "I doubt that, you're exhausted. It's a miracle you made it this far. Tomorrow's Saturday, so you don't have to go to work, and you can go home in the morning. Deal?"

House realized protesting was futile when he tried to pull his arm away. Damn, she has a grip like a freaking vice. Trying to keep the semi-happiness out of his voice, he nodded, "Fine."

T.B.C.