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...
House, M.D.
Greg House had been to more parks in the last two days than in the past five years, and he was positive that this was Cameron's fault. As soon as they had reached the park, Cameron's eyes had lit up. As a general rule, House wasn't fond of places with many people. However, there was something about seeing Cameron twirl around on the grass, her knee-length skirt flaring out around her, that made him smile.She's like a five-year-old. A gorgeous, highly-educated five-year-old, but still...
House sat beneath a tree and opened the bag of food. Cameron was walking over to where he sat, having expended any and all extra energy, a smile on her face.
"I take it there's something in there for me?"
"A few things," House agreed, taking her food out and setting it beside him.
"How much do I owe you?" The question must have been evident in House's eyes, because Cameron elaborated. "For lunch. You paid, remember?"
"Oh. Nothing, it's on the House," he joked.
Cameron laughed, "How often do people make jokes like that?"
"Considering most people are scared of me, not many. The last one was Vogler, and look what happened to him."
"What did happen to Vogler, anyway? After he got sacked, I mean."
House shrugged. He hadn't really thought about it, "Damned if I know. Don't really care, either."
Cameron nodded. Her face took on the same thoughtful, pained expression it had that morning when she talked about her husband. She seemed to be debating whether or not she really wanted to say something.
"Just say it."
"Huh?"
"Whatever it is you're thinking, just say it."
"I'm... not sure you want to hear it," Cameron sighed. House noticed she was clenching her fists.
"One way to find out."
"Last night, in the parking lot. When you asked me what it was I wanted to hear from you," she started.
House knew where this was headed, and more than anything didn't want to ruin a lovely day by having to answer questions. Especially these ones. However, this was bound to happen eventually. "Go on."
"That you like me. That you need me. That you love me... You never answered my question."
"That question being... what exactly?" He knew Cameron knew he was stalling. He also knew what he was going to end up saying.
"Do you?"
House's throat tightened, and once again he found himself in a difficult position. Those seemed to be common when Cameron was around. Maybe she was bad luck... With a smile like that? Not a chance. He knew what he should say. Hell, he even knew what he wanted to say. He just wasn't sure if he could do it. One look into Cameron's eyes, in which hundreds of questions phrased in two simple words could be seen. Do you? Do you? Eventually, he got up the nerve to look her in the eye. "Yes."
He wasn't sure what he had expected her to do, but this certainly wasn't it. She didn't move, didn't blink. He was pretty sure she wasn't even breathing.
"You in there?"
Cameron nodded mutely, then shook her head. "Yeah. Sorry."
"No jumping for joy? No hugs? Not even a smile? You can't be that surprised." Can she?
She shook her head again, "No. It's just... I don't know."
What the hell? "Not happy? Not enough?" House's voice was slightly bitter, something he was sure Cameron wouldn't overlook.
"No!" Her response was so sudden, it was more likely a reflex than an honest answer. After a moment, she sighed, "No. It's not that. I'm... I'm happier than I can remember being in a very long time. It's just... I'm scared."
"Of what?" It was an honest question. "You were pretty gung-ho earlier. What's changed?"
"I don't know," Cameron swallowed hard, looking away, "I'm scared of losing you... I don't know if I could handle losing another man I love."
House frowned and lifted her face to his, but she wouldn't meet his eyes. "Look at me, Cameron." He waited until she complied, then continued, "You honestly think it would hurt any less to run? All this time, I've pushed you away. But you pushed back. You were hell bent on being in my life. On making me care, whether I wanted to or not. Don't get cold feet. Not now." There was more desperation in House's voice than he would have liked, but he didn't care.
They stayed like that for a few minutes, House cupping Cameron's chin in his hand, Cameron staring dead ahead, the tears welling in her eyes evident. Jesus... she's beautiful even when she's close to tears.
And then she spoke. "This is serious, House. This can't just be a game. And you can't push me away all the time anymore."
"I know." It was a reflex reaction. House paused, taking in what Cameron said. "I know. I'm not an easy person to live with. You know that. I'm a stubborn ass with a tendancy to hurt people to keep myself from being hurt. And I'm terrible at comprimise. But I'll try if you will."
She nodded slowly.
I hope that's a good sign.
Cameron pulled away slowly, wiping the tears from her eyes, and smiled, "Everyone has their flaws. But I guess that's all we can do. Try our best. And hope that it's good enough."
"I think it will be."
"Me too." She leaned in and kissed House gently.
House had never been more furious about the fact that he needed oxygen to survive than the moment when he had to break the kiss.
Still smiling, Cameron looked straight at House. "Mmmh... fireworks."
T.B.C.
