Cameron surveyed the apartment with a sense of satisfaction. Despite the litter of beer bottles and the fact that there were miniature candy bar wrappers strewn everywhere, there was an aura of gladness that was pervasive in every nook and cranny. Her head was buzzing pleasantly after the three beers.

She bent down to pick up a bottle when she heard a knock at the door. "Damn," she murmured, "I left the light on. Must be some older kids." She surveyed the candy bowl sadly. There were a few empty wrappers, that was all. She went to her purse and took out a few dollars. "This will have to do," she murmured, and opened the door.

It was House, still in uniform, with a cane instead of the crutches. He had left them in his car and grabbed the spare cane that was always under the seat. He looked at her shocked face, and broke into a cocky smile.

"House," Cameron said, and broke off. His eyes looked incredibly blue in the light and she was drowning in them.

"Trick or treat, Doctor Cameron." He said huskily.

"I'm out of candy." She murmured, unable to turn away.

"It's a question," House said softly, taking a step towards her. "Trick or treat?"

She involuntarily took a step back. "Depends on the trick," she said softly. I think I have just lost my mind.

"You have to decide beforehand. It's a test." He said, stepping forward again. He was a hair's breath away from her now it seemed.

Cameron could feel the heat radiating off of his body, and fought the urge to back up. "What happens if I pass?" She said, and amazingly her body obeyed her silent command to step forward.

They were standing against each other now, Cameron looking up into those incredible blue eyes, positive that she was dreaming.

"You have to find out on your own," House said, and his hand was on her shoulder.

"This is a dream, isn't it?" Cameron asked. "I had too much candy and beer."

House laughed softly. "It could be, Dr. Cameron, who is to say? But you didn't answer the question. Trick or treat?"

"Treat," she had time to reply, before House's mouth was on her own.

He tasted like beer and pizza and chocolate. And something else, something inherently House, she thought. The hand that was on her shoulder was suddenly plunged into her hair.

Her arms found their way around him, and she was holding him tightly, running her hands through his hair. This is a dream. Cameron thought. I don't ever want to wake up again.

"This would be easier on the couch," House whispered against her lips. "I'm about to fall down."

And Cameron seemed to blink and they were on the couch. His cane, propped up against the armrest crashed to the ground. Her hands were unbuttoning his jacket.

"Ears," he whispered.

She paused and looked up into his eyes. "What?"

"Take off the ears."

Cameron pulled the headband off and flung it across the room. There was a faint ding as it hit her chandelier and landed on the table. Her hair completely lose now was floating around her head like a veil.

The brass buttons on the jacket seemed impossible to undo. Her hands were slippery, clammy and cold. House's fingers met hers and deftly undid every button. The jacket was shrugged off and tossed onto the armchair.

And then House's hands were under her blouse, feeling her bare skin. His fingers were calloused, but warm, unlike her own. His mouth was on her neck, gently caressing the skin. "God, Allison," he whispered.

She let out a little moan. "You said my name. I didn't think you even knew my…"

"Hush," he whispered. Their lips met again and his hands were cupping her face. "You aren't asleep," he said softly.

She kissed him furiously. "I have to be. This is too good to be real."

He pushed her away and looked her deep in the eyes. "Allison," he said softly.

"What?"

He pinched her arm gently.

"Ouch," she said. Then her eyes widened. "Oh… my… god."

She scooted away from him on the couch. House sat back and took a breath. "I needed to come up for air anyway…" he panted.

"House," she said softly.

He looked over at her, bemused. Her hair was in complete disarray and her shirt was halfway over her bra, which, he noted with satisfaction, was black.

"I can leave now," he said softly. "If that's what you want."

Her mouth quivered. "What do you want?"

He smiled. "I should think that's obvious by now. But since you asked, I want you to take off your shirt. For starters anyway."

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. House sighed, and bent down to get his cane. Of course, this was a mistake. As his fingers found the smooth cylinder of wood, it was taken out of his hands. Cameron held the cane in front of her. "I didn't say you could leave," she whispered. She stood up and placed the cane next to the door, and turned out the lights. The only things illuminating the apartment were the various luminaries that were scattered around the room.

He turned to face her. Her shirt was nowhere to be seen. "This is going to change everything," House said to her. "There's no going back if you choose to continue."

She shook her head slightly. "It changes nothing for me. I'll feel the same way I felt always. And you can still yell at me at work."

House considered this for a second. "Even if I make you cry?"

She smiled. "Even if you make me cry. You can make it up to me afterwards."

He chuckled. "And here you go demanding a repeat performance when you haven't even sat through the evening's show. The eternal optimist. I'm terrible in bed you know. Grabby, cranky, demanding..."

Cameron grinned. "I get all emotional and cry. And I always want to cuddle afterwards."

House nodded. "Why does this not surprise me in the least?" He leaned forward and grabbed Cameron's wrist, drawing her to him. "Cameron…" he said hoarsely.

"Allison…" she whispered.

"Allison. I'm not sure what this means. I'm not good about talking about feelings. And I'm pretty sure I'm at least partially drunk or I wouldn't have the courage to be here…"

Cameron nodded. "I'm not asking you to be in love with me yet House…"

"Greg." It was a single word, but suddenly an invisible wall seemed to crumble.

Cameron's eyes widened slightly. "Greg…" she said doubtfully.

"It's easy to pronounce."

She poked him in the ribs, suddenly aware that she was wearing a bra and House was still dressed.

"I'm not asking you to be in love with me Greg." Cameron said huskily.

"What are you asking then?"

"Just… love me."

House bit his bottom lip. "As best I can, Allison." He said softly.

And he did.

TBC…