"It Doesn't Hurt To Love"

Chapter 19-Spaz and the Scandal

I would like to thank ilovetuesdayswho immensely helped with write this. She will be my beta for the rest of the story. The story is approaching the end,but there will be a sequel.

The end of August was quickly approaching. Cameron had a lot on her mind. As she lay in bed, huddled next to House, she realized something was missing. They needed a change; something to spice things up. It wasn't that she was bored, because there was never a dull moment around him. She just wanted something special they could share. It became apparent that a new addition was needed.

She sat up and shook him gently, "Greg. Come on, wake up."

"Wake me up at ten. No earlier, no later." He turned over and closed his eyes.

"You know what we need, Greggy?"

"Call me Greggy again and you'll regret it," he mumbled.

"We need a pet. Something we can cuddle with and love to pieces."

"What we need is sleep!" he cried.

She threw a pillow at his head. There's no winning with her, "Alright, I'm up. And we don't need a pet. They crap all over the place. You have to play with them, groom them, buy them food and toys. It's expensive."

"I am talking about a dog or a cat, not a pony."

"They don't even allow them in the apartment building. Where would we keep it? In the parking lot?"

"House, I'm not dumb. I can name at least five families in this apartment building with pets."

"You would have to walk it outside so it can go the bathroom."

"Not if we get a kitten. They are so cute!"

"Kittens turn into cats. Cats will scratch you. They also have to use a litter box. I refuse to have my apartment smell like shit."

"You're over-exaggerating. What about a puppy? I can walk it twice a day and--"

"Puppies turn into dogs. Dogs trample you as soon as you walk in the door. They leave paw prints and slobber all over the place."

"I'll let you name it. Oh, please!"

"Knowing me, I would probably name it Shitface. That would be interesting, calling the dog in public, now wouldn't it? Or even taking it to the vet," He laughed.

"Just think about it," She gave him a peck on the lips and rolled out of bed, strolling off into the bathroom.

"You have plans today?" He called after her

"I told you last night. I am going to the beach with Lisa," she yelled back, "Only a few more beach days left. You can come if you want."

"Nope, count me out."

"Come on, you'll get a tan"

"I already have a lovely tan. Besides, if I went, I'd also have to make an appointment with Wilson so he can start me on chemo for skin cancer"

"You're such a drama queen."

"Drama queen? Ally, please make a mental note to include that on your 'what not to call my boyfriend list'. It's right up at the top, along with Greggy"

"I like Greggy," She emerged from the bathroom dressed in a polka dotted bikini. He fell backwards on the bed in laughter. She looked confused, "What's so funny?"

"Your bikini," She gave him a look, which he returned, "Oh, it's not you I'm laughing at, it's the polka dots."

She put he hands on her hips, "I think it's cute, but I'll try on the red one."

"I'll help you," he said roguishly, making his way towards her. He tickled her exposed stomach causing her to giggle, and she retaliated with a kiss. They ventured into the bathroom and shut the door behind them. House would later describe their activities 'the most exhilarating time in a bathroom' he had ever experienced.

House dropped Cameron off at Cuddy's house a little after one o'clock. He didn't mind spending the afternoon alone; he had some shopping to do. He went to the music store and bought some CDs, which he planned to transfer onto his Ipod. As luck would have it, the music store was right next to PETCO. He was riddled with guilt as he walked right past the front door. Stopping, he took a deep breath and turned back around towards the store. Sometimes he was just too nice.

Walking inside, House nearly threw up from the smell. He looked around with wide eyes. He really wanted to leave, but he had to do it for Cameron. House strolled up to one of the employees. She was a chunky teenaged girl with thick heavy glasses. Boy, she must get harassed in school.

"Help me out here," he commanded, "My girlfriend wants a pet. But I don't."

"I think you need to sort that out with her," the girl said timidly.

He chose to ignore her, "What kind of pet do you not have to walk, clean up after, or play with?"

"You want something low maintenance?"

"Extremely low maintenance. Preferably something that won't die if I forgot to feed it for a couple days or a couple weeks."

"I would suggest a fish. But you still have to feed it and clean the tank. Unless you get a filter," she suggested.

"OK. I'll take one of those ten gallon tanks over there and a cheap filter. Oh yeah, and some fish."

"No problem, I'll get everything you need. You pick out the fish in the meantime."

She came back with a tank full of rocks, a filter, and fish food. House gestured to some fish he'd taken a liking to, "I want a couple of those colorful fish. The ones in the little bowls"

"I'm afraid I can only let you have one, since they're all males."

"Why?"

"They are Chinese Fighting Fish. If you put more than one in a tank they'll kill each other."

"Really?" House's eyes lit up, "That's so awesome! Can I have two please?"

"Nope."

"Why?"

"Because that's animal cruelty," the girl said timidly.

"Come on, it's their own choice to fight. I won't force them," He paused and sighed, "Fine, I'll keep one in the tank and one in the little baggie. I'll keep them separate, I swear."

"I have a feeling you're lying to me."

"I am. Alright, you win. I'll take that blue one."

When Cameron returned home she found, to her surprise, her loving boyfriend making dinner. She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"You look very tan," he observed.

"Why, thank you. We had so much fun! I wish you could've came!"

"What did you do?"

"We just laid there in the sun, talking. I took a dip in the ocean."

"That sounds fun," he said, voice filled with sarcasm.

She ignored him, "What's for dinner?"

"Salmon. It's only appropriate."

"Why?"

"Check in the living room"

She peeked around the corner and spotted the fish tank. Unable to resist the urge, she rushed over to it and tapped the tank with her finger. She laughed as the fish zoomed around the tank, colliding into the walls.

House leaned against the wall and watched her, "You said you wanted a pet."

"I meant a dog or a cat, not a fish," She smiled, "I love him anyway. He is quite the-"

"Spaz. I know. That's what his name is."

"He is so pretty, I love the blue color. Big tank for one lonely fish, though, isn't it?"

"You can't have more than one, or they'll kill each other," He eyed the look on her face, and his own was one of amusement, "I know, isn't it awesome? The girl wouldn't let me buy two. That's why we are going back there tomorrow, to get another one."

"You would do that to little Spaz?"

"Unlike you, I have faith in my fish. He could beat the crap out of any other fish that even glanced at him funny."

"I'm sure he would," She said, hugging him. "He's a lovely present. Thank you. What would I do without you, Greggy?"

"I refuse to even respond to that name. Change out of your bathing suit, dinner is ready."

After dinner, the couple sat down and watched the five o'clock news. It had become a habit for them to have dinner, then sit on the couch together, and watch the news. Cameron would cuddle up right next to him while they got updated on current events.

Today was much more interesting than usual.

"In an unrelated story," the newscaster was saying, "Edward Vogler has been arrested for reportedly stealing over forty million dollars from New Jersey Department of Scientific Studies. Here is Josh Davis with the report."

Cameron gasped while House cheered, "Serves him right, that son of a--"

The reporter was standing in front of a hospital. Not just any hospital, their hospital.

"Look we're famous!" House said gleefully.

"Shut up, I want to listen!" Cameron said, slapping him lightly on the shoulder.

"By becoming a board member of the New Jersey Department of Scientific Studies, Mr. Vogler, with the help of his accountants, conducted a successful fraud scheme. In doing so, he was able to take forty three million out of the company's bank account. This stayed undetected until Mr. Vogler stepped down in 2004. The missing money was tracked to Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, the facility behind me. It was received as a donation, which was later refused when Mr. Vogler was forced to step down from the board. We speculate that he had to step down from complications due to an altercation with a Doctor Gregory House. Because of the hospital's ties to him, they are currently under government investigation. Dr. Lisa Cuddy, Hospital Administrator, has scheduled a press conference for later tonight. We will keep you updated. Josh Davis, Fox Five News."

Both House and Cameron were stunned. Cameron got up from the couch and tore off into the bedroom to change into something more presentable, while House wasn't going anywhere, "Get up off your ass, Greg. We're going there, pronto!" she yelled from the bedroom.

"What are we going to do?"

"Among other things, we're going to make sure Lisa doesn't have a heart attack."

When Cameron and House arrived, the hospital entrance was swarmed by media. After presenting their identification badges, they were escorted in by security. Cameron walked very fast, almost at a sprint, but slow enough that House could catch up. They found Cuddy sitting in her office, her head down on the desk.

"At least you have a nice tan for your television debut," House bantered.

Cuddy shot her head up. She appeared to be on the verge of tears, but her voice remained steady, "Thank God you two came, they think we knew that the money was stolen and we took it anyway. We could lose all our government funding. We could close down."

"Well, you didn't know about it, right?" Cameron said reassuringly, walking over and giving her friend a hug. She still smelled like the beach, but she had changed out of her clothes. Her hair was a mess.

"Of course I didn't. He offered to donate $100 million to the hospital. I didn't think twice, we needed it so badly."

"Well, just tell them that at the press conference and you'll have nothing to worry about," Cameron said, rubbing her friends back.

"Press conference? I am in no condition to speak! I'm on the verge of a breakdown! And House, stop staring at me like that or I won't think twice about slaughtering you with your own cane," Her voice was threatening, but she shook and sat down in her chair again, head in her hands. House quickly took a seat in the corner.

"I scheduled it," Stacy called, entering the room and speaking to Cuddy, "It's all over the news. If you want to save the hospital, you are going to have to speak."

"What kind of lawyer schedules press conferences without their client's consent?" House said in a stern voice.

"One who knows what she's doing. It's in thirty minutes, they are already setting up."

"Oh God," Cuddy moaned.

"Stacy, she's on the verge of a breakdown, I don't think she can do that" Cameron said, still hugging her friend.

"I realize that. Which is why we need a replacement. Are there any other board members available?"

"No one is answering their phone," Cuddy mumbled.

"Well, we need someone, and we need them fast. Is there anyone well-known in the hospital right now? It would be best to have someone that the media will recognize."

All three women turned slowly, looking to House.

"What are you looking at me for?" he demanded angrily, knowing full well what was about to happen.

Stacy was the one who spoke, "Greg, we need you to do it. You're a well known doctor and you are also involved with the case."

"But Stacy, I'm too distraught," House covered his forehead with his left arm and pretended to cry. In fury, Cuddy picked up a vase and was ready to throw it at him but Cameron hastily ripped it out of her hands.

"This isn't a joke! Now you get your sorry ass ready because you are going to speak in less then twenty minutes. You are not going to pull any of your stupid stunts now," Stacy yelled, "The hospital's reputation is in your hands."

Cuddy began to shake in anger, looking to House. He took a deep breath, "I don't do speeches. I'm shy."

Both Stacy and Cuddy turned to Cameron, who spoke, "Greg, now isn't the time. Do it, please? For the hospital's sake, and for mine."

He sighed, "Fine. I'll try. No promises that I won't punch out a reporter, though."

Cameron walked over to him and straightened up his collar, then gave him a kiss. Stacy moved to stand with House, and for the next twenty minutes, she went over with him about what he was to say. The only problem was House wasn't paying her the slightest bit of attention; he was zoned out, in his own little world. House land wasn't exactly a happy pleasant place. No, it was more of a video game. He was on the last level when reality slapped him in the face.

"Greg, come on we have to get down there," Stacy tugged on his sleeve, "Allison, I think you should stay up here with Lisa and watch it on television."

"Will do," Cameron said kissing House on the lips once more, "Good luck, you'll be great."

The walk down the hallway took forever. Stacy was getting more and more nervous, "Greg, remember what I told you. Please, remember," she pleaded.

"Am I getting paid for this?"

"If you do a nice job, I'll convince Cuddy to give you a bonus," They rode down the elevator, when the doors opened the cameras started to go off. The flashing lights were very bright and made it hard to see.

"Ahh! You won't have anyone to do this speech if I'm blinded!" House yelled, shielding his eyes. The reporters stopped and stared at him as he limped up to the podium, his ex girlfriend at his side.

"Well on that lovely note, let me introduce myself. I am Doctor Gregory House. You may not call me Greg, House, Gregory, or anything other than Dr. House. I am a diagnostician at this hospital with a double specialty of infectious disease and nephrology. I am also the amazingly handsome individual speaking at this press conference this afternoon," Stacy raised an eyebrow, but he continued, "Dr. Cuddy has some very important personal matters to attend to, and will not be joining us."

When Wilson turned on the TV his eyes were about to bulge out of his head. He had known about the scandal that was brewing and he had wanted to go help out at the hospital. Julie convinced him that it would be a circus, and he hadn't gone anywhere. Instead, he'd turned on the TV.

The second he did so, he saw that House was conducting the press conference. At that moment, Wilson got incredibly worried. Why would anyone in their right mind allow him to speak? He never gives a speech without pulling one of his stunts. The reputation of the hospital was in jeopardy, for God's sake.

Every other doctor who tuned into the conference who recognized House felt the same way: Scared as shit. Chase spit his coffee straight across the room. Foreman closed his eyes and wished it was a dream. They all hoped that they could do something to stop him. But they couldn't. All they could do was sit at home, and pray.

"Burt Waller, New York Times. Did the hospital have any knowledge where the donation money was coming from?"

House held himself and his sarcastic nature in check, "The hospital did not know where Mr. Vogler had received the money."

"Didn't you think to investigate? One hundred million dollars is a lot of money for a donation," A female reporter asked.

"It's a lot to you and me. But this guy owns one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the country. We assumed that the money was just pocket change to him. Not once had it crossed our mind that it came from some medical supplier's bank account."

"There is no excuse for not taking the time to investigate where exactly the money came from," Burt blurted out.

House couldn't help rolling his eyes, "This is a hospital. Now I don't know if you know this, but most of our time is spent curing sick people. Saving lives. Would you rather us spend a couple days doing a full scale investigation on Mr. Vogler or saving a little girl's life?"

"How was the donation going to be spent?" another reporter asked.

"A percentage was going to go to cancer research. The rest would go towards basic hospital funding. You know buy more bedpans and hire more nurses. That fun stuff."

"Doctor House, isn't it true that the hospital's board ask him to step down and withdraw his donation?" Burt asked

"You sure ask a hell of a lot of questions don't you, Burt? And yes, it's true."

"May I ask why he was asked to step down?" a fourth reporter asked, from somewhere across the room.

House took a deep breath, "He had received too much power. He attempted to turn the hospital into a dictatorship. Trying to fire who he wanted to fire. He wanted to fire yours truly. I know hard to believe right? Anyway, since he was only a member of the board he couldn't get his way. He began manipulating my staff to get inside information on me in exchange for job security. I won't name names but, Dr. Robert Chase, that's C-H-A-S-E, gave him enough information to get me in trouble with the board. There was a board meeting in which my job was the topic of discussion. In this meeting he threatened to fire anyone who voted for me to stay. Dr. Cuddy came to my rescue and convinced the other board members to kick Vogler to the curb. Fascinating story, don't you think?"

"If the hospital had indeed known where he got the money from, what action would you have taken?"

"Would've reported him to the authorities. Hell, I would've filled out the police report myself. The New Jersey Department of Scientific Studies actually helps fund us, so why would we let someone steal from them? He is a disgraceful man, stealing money from a organization like that. And you can quote me on that. Any more questions, Burt?"

"No, that's all I need, Dr. House. Thank you."

"What about the rest of you?" The large crowd shook their heads in response. "Well, I sure had fun. Excuse me, I've gotta go. It's a Saturday night and instead of drinking and partying, I'm standing here talking to you people."

Wilson, Chase, and Foreman let out a collective sigh of relief in unison even though they were miles apart. House did a good job. Surprisingly. And not just a good job, but a fantastic one. He told the truth and he made Vogler look like a crook. Chase felt a little uneasy about being referenced to as a snitch on live television, but at least the hospital had regained some of its reputation.

House was escorted back into the lobby by security. Stacy patted him on the back in relief, "Great job," she said as they rode up in elevator.

"The best part was that I got to be on television. Did you tell Cuddy to tape it?"

"Why so you can bask in your own glory? I don't believe your ego can get any bigger." Stacy snickered. As soon as the elevator doors opened Cameron almost tackled House to the ground with a hug. She told him how wonderfully he did and how she loved him about thirty times. When she finally let go of him, Cuddy gave him a quick hug. She had a smile on her face as she thanked him and looked as though a huge weight had been taken off her shoulders. When she released him from her grip, House noticed it felt strange having her hug him. It was a miracle in itself that she was actually happy with him for once. He just shrugged it off. Why everyone was so pleased with him, he hadn't a clue. All he did was talk.

"Come on, I think we should go out to celebrate," Stacy suggested.

"Sorry, I have to get home, feed my fish." House said.

Cameron laughed, "Little Spaz can wait."

"Going out with all three of you together wouldn't be a reward, it's torture. I would rather Ally and I celebrate at home. Maybe in the bedroom, with some candles. You can give me my very own special reward," House winked at Cameron.

"You're coming and you're going to have a good time," Cuddy said, still smiling, "Now let's get out of here before we get swamped by the media."