Dr. House remained sitting in the snow for several minutes. On one hand he was contemplating what had just happened while on the other hand he was trying to figure out just how he was going to get up from his current position.

"I know you're lazy House but the parking garage is only a few more feet to your left," Wilson laughed. "What exactly are you doing sitting here? You do know that's not your car, right?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," House smirked.

"Yeah I would. I was watching you from the window. Who taught you those moves, one of the fifth graders?"

"Didn't go as smoothly as intended," House quipped. "Can you believe that pegging a woman with a snowball and then dragging her to the ground is no longer an appropriate form of wooing."

"I know," Wilson smiled. "I guess what worked in the fifth grade, when you dated last, for some reason doesn't work today. Shocking isn't it?"

"Funny. I knew the ladies found you somewhat charming for some reason or another. Are you planning on helping me up or did you just stop to comment on the show?"

"I intended on helping you up but just now I am picturing how funny it would be if Cuddy happened upon you on her way home."

While House smirked Wilson reached down and helped him to his feet. When they were both finally standing upright they heard a slight jingling and saw something tiny disappear into the snow. Wilson bent down and quickly retrieved the fallen item.

"These yours, House?" Wilson asked, dangling the keys from his fingertips.

"Although I am rather fond of butterflies, Jimmy, I try not to carry them openly in public." House snarked. "The other 'Nemo' key ring leads me to believe these were left behind by Cameron."

"Good. Now you have the perfect excuse to stop by and apologize." Wilson stated.

"Yeah right. She just told me, in pretty direct words, that she wasn't playing any more reindeer games. She's probably off making doe eyes a Donnar and Blitzen as we speak." House quipped.

"Fine, then she can sleep on the street tonight because I'm not dropping them off either," Wilson griped, climbing into his car and slamming the door.

House stood in the vacant parking garage and watched his friend…well, ex-friend, drive away. Although he was rather grumpy about it he knew what he had to do. He just wasn't looking forward to having his ass handed to him on a platter for the second time today.

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He spotted her as soon as he entered the lot. She was crouched on her knees using what looked like a hairpin to try and jimmy open the lock. When her eyes made contact with his own he seriously thought about just driving away and leaving her there. His knowledge of her rough neighborhood was the only thing that had him climbing out of the car.

"I've had enough banter for today, House, go away!" Cameron yelled from the porch.

He didn't offer a rebuttal until he was standing right beside her. He strongly disliked yelling and truth be told he liked being close to her.

"Okay, then do you want me to just bring your keys into work tomorrow?" He asked, dangling the 'Nemo' chain from his fingertips. "I'm sure Foreman could have this door open in about ten seconds flat."

"Did you lift those from me?" She asked, standing up and placing her hands on her hips.

"Yeah. In three feet of snow there was nothing else I would rather do than drive out of my way to give you back your keys."

"I guess I must have dropped them. Thanks for bringing them by." The gratitude was sent out with a half smile.

"Sure," House responded, turning around to leave. "I'm sure 'Nemo' would have saved me if anything bad was going to happen."

"Dr. House?" She waited a beat for him to turn around and give her his full attention. "Really, thank you. I'm sorry for snapping. Can I offer a cup of coffee to show my gratitude?"

She could tell he was stalling. What she couldn't tell was whether or not he was thinking of an excuse to leave or an excuse to stay.

And then finally, "Coffee would be good. That and your first born should suffice."

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Since this was his first time actually entering her apartment, House took the first few moments to look around. Unlike most people he did little to conceal his intentions. He was a man fascinated by puzzles, and to him, Allison Cameron was currently the biggest puzzle of all.

Finally he nodded his head and took a seat on the couch, casually laying his cane on his lap.

"So you think you have me all figured out?" Cameron asked, stepping in the room with both hands perched on hips. Obviously her 'on guard' stance, House thought.

"Well, I thought I did," House replied. "Usually a person's dvd collection is pretty telltale of their personality but there's a few in yours I can't figure out."

"Oh yeah?" Cameron questioned, "Which ones are giving you a hard time?"

"Well the Disney classics are obvious. In fact, if you didn't have Bambi stashed away in here I'd be worried. You have the obvious chick flicks and heart warmers covered with Beaches and Love Story. The only dvd I can't quite wrap my mind around is Reservoir Dogs. Why would a person like you own her own copy of Reservoir Dogs?"

"That strikes you as odd?" Cameron questioned. "Actually it's one of my favorite movies."

"You do know it's not about puppies don't you?"

"I know House, I've seen it like fifteen times. A girl can't enjoy a gory movie every once in a while?"

"Some girls? Yes. You? No."

"Well Dr. House, there are many things you don't know about me."

Before he could make some sort of clever response Cameron had whisked herself out of the room to fetch the coffee.