Title: Aftermath
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Up to "Babies and Bathwater"
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em. Nope, just don't.
Summary: Cuddy saved the team and vanquished Vogler, but all is far from well...
Author's Note: Thanks to all who reviewed. Reviews are what keep me going, so push that little button and write something - anything. Oh, and Woobie was the name of a teddy bear I had when I was younger. Laughs I named my stuffed animals weird things.
House, M.D.
House was in the kitchen making breakfast from what little food was in Cameron's kitchen. Jesus, no wonder she's so thin - there's nothing to eat around here. After spending a quarter of an hour digging around trying to find something edible, House had come across some coffee. This is definitely going on my list of proudest moments - managing to find something in Cameron's kitchen.
Thoughts kept spinning around in his head. One in particular wouldn't go away - a memory from last night. "Greg. His name was Greg." Damn it, why do women have to be so freaking difficult! It was rarely acknowledged that either House or Cameron had first names, but this was going to stick with him for a while.
As he set the coffee down on the counter, he noticed a CD book. Kelly Clarkson... Shania Twain... Martina McBride... Abba... The Corrs... Music for every mood. Fascinating. I'll have to introduce her to the world of real music sometime.
"You know, most people would be upset to find another person going through their stuff without permission," Cameron's voice broke through his thoughts and House turned around suddenly.
"Most people are also afraid of me. You, with a little luck, are neither."
"Wouldn't really have made that much of a difference anyway," Cameron agreed. Her eyes drifted to the counter, where the coffee sat. "You... actually managed to cook something."
"I hardly call making coffee cooking, but basically, yes. Why, didn't think I could cook? I'll have you know that I am perfectly capable of cooking for myself," House feigned offense.
Cameron snickered slightly, "I don't doubt it. Actually, I'm shocked that you found anything edible around here."
He nodded, "It was a very difficult task, but I managed."
Cameron smiled and carried the coffee to the table. "Thanks for making it. What time is it, anyway?"
"Almost noon."
"I slept that long?"
"Unless you've been lying awake on the sofa for hours, it's probably safe to say yes."
Cameron shifted in her seat uncomfortably, and House knew what she was going to say before the words had a chance to come out of her mouth. "Um... about last night... I didn't... I shouldn't... you..."
"You're babbling."
"Yeah... I want you to know... Greg, that is, my husband... I'm not just trying to replace him. I don't... It's not your name that attracted me to you... I just.."
"I get it. I may not necessarily believe you, but I get it." It had been a joke. By the look on Cameron's face, she hadn't found it funny. "Kidding. I believe you." I think.
Cameron just nodded and looked down into her cup.
After a few minutes, the silence became unbearable. "Oh, and that teddy bear of yours. Very cute. Somehow I pictured you as more of a stuffed kitten type though."
He resisted the urge to smirk when Cameron paled. "Um.. yeah... I've had him since I was a little kid."
"Him. So he has a name then?" She's blushing. Bet it's embarassing.
"Woobie," Cameron muttered, the heat in her cheeks intensifying.
"Cute. I'm guessing you named him... around second grade."
She looked up, surprised, "Yeah."
Deciding to let it drop, House instead said, "Hey, you want to go get some real food? I mean, the coffee isn't bad and all, but I could go for something you can actually chew."
Cameron nodded, "Yeah, that sounds nice. I'll go get changed and we can go."
It was the first time House had noticed that she was still in her pajamas. Her braid was half-undone, and swung behind her back as she walked to her bedroom.
About fifteen minutes later, Cameron walked into the kitchen, hair brushed and makeup on. She didn't really need makeup, but it certianly didn't hurt. It was summertime, so it wasn't really odd for her to be wearing a skirt, but House had to raise his eyebrows anyway. "Do you usually dress like this on your days off?"
"Only in the summer," Cameron replied with a smile, smoothing her skirt. "It's warm today."
House never really paid much attention to the weather. It was jeans and t-shirts for him on his days off, regardless of the temperature. The only difference was a jacket in winter and occcasionally autumn. "Indeed it is. Let's get going."
"Yeah. Uh, you're driving, since, well, y'know."
"Yeah, your tires got slashed." House nodded, not sure whether he wanted to thank the person who did that or beat them senseless.
"Where to?"
After a brief moment, House smirked and said, "Wait and see."
Rolling her eyes, Cameron led him out of the apartment. "This better be good."
"Trust me, it will be." I hope.
T.B.C.
