Disclaimer: Don't own.

Chapter 8

Turning the key in the lock at her apartment that evening, Cameron pushed it open with her elbow, juggling her bag on one shoulder and 3 bags of groceries in her arms. Walking straight into the kitchen, Cameron placed the groceries on the counter and her laptop bag on the kitchen table.

After finishing putting away the food, Cameron walked into her bedroom and into her bathroom where she reached for the hair tie on her sink and tied her long hair up in a ponytail. She took off her work clothes and hung them up in the wardrobe; ready to be dry cleaned, and got changed into a comfortable pair of pants and a top.

Walking back into the kitchen, Cameron grabbed a microwave dinner out of the freezer and stuck it in the microwave. She leant against the counter and sighed. She was tense. Both House and herself had not uttered a word to each other all day, which not only annoyed her, but also upset her more than she wanted it to. She shook her head and smirked, wondering why she even got upset over it. She told him exactly how she felt, and for once in her entire time working for House, she got the last say in the conversation. But after talking to Wilson, hearing him insinuate that House only ever got moody about her, that made her want the entire situation to be over with.

The microwave dinged and Cameron walked over to it, pulling the dinner out and placing it on a plate. She walked into the living room and sat on the couch, pulling over a pillow to rest her meal on while she grabbed the book she was reading on the coffee table.

As soon as she finished eating, Cameron put the bookmark in her book and placed it back on the coffee table, walking into the kitchen. She washed her plate and placed it back in the cupboard, looking around at her seemingly spotless kitchen.

Rolling her eyes at her own obsessiveness, Cameron walked back into the living room and back onto the couch where she opened her book again and began to read. She had only read the first sentence when there was a sharp hammering at her door. It startled her, but when the knocking continued timely, Cameron felt her stomach drop as she realised who was at the door.

Getting up slowly, Cameron walked over to the door and pulled it open. Standing there was House himself, his cane in his hand as it always was when he hammered on her door with it. They stared at each other, Cameron forcing herself not to break eye contact. When it was clear that House was not going to say anything standing in the hallway, she caved and stood aside, waiting to him to walk in.

House limped into her living room and Cameron clicked shut the door turning back around and facing him.

'What do you want?' Cameron asked after moments of silence.

House smirked and looked around, anywhere but at her. 'I don't do apologies.'

Cameron stared at him. 'Was that an attempt at one?'

House continued to look around her apartment, not uttering a word, and Cameron couldn't help the small smile that formed on her lips reluctantly. 'You're forgiven.' She said softly, staring straight at him, figuring this was the best she was ever going to get out of him.

'Glad we cleared that up.' House replied sarcastically, secretly glad that Cameron had not pushed him for more. 'How did last night go?' He asked after finally looking at her.

Cameron smirked. She knew this was coming. 'It was…good.' She replied.

'Good.' House replied, tapping his cane on the floor. 'Good.' He said more forcefully.

Cameron stared at him in confusion. 'House, what are you d-'

A loud knock echoed through her apartment and Cameron looked at her door. This was inconvenient. She sighed and turned around, opening the door. To her surprise Joe stood at her door, carrying a small paper bag.

'Brought dessert. You hungry?' He said smiling.

Cameron forced herself to smile back and stood back to let him in. Joe walked in and was faced with House. He stared at Joe.

'Hey,' Joe said, smiling at him. House did not return the smile.

'Um, Joe, this is Greg House. House, Joe Stanford.' Cameron said hesitantly, gesturing at the men.

Joe held out his hand. House continued to stare at him, his hand still by his side and making no attempt to reach out. Cameron drew a breath. Joe, realising that his hand was not going to be taken, slowly took it down, looking at Cameron.

'Sorry, was I interrupting something?' Joe asked, staring at both Cameron and House.

'Um…' Cameron looked directly at House.

'No.' House replied, still staring at Joe. 'See you tomorrow.' He said to Cameron, limping around them both and opened her door, disappearing behind it with a click.

Cameron sighed and walked over to her couch, closing her eyes and rubbing her forehead. Joe followed her and placed the package he was holding onto the coffee table.

'So that was your boss?' Joe asked, looking bemused.

'That was him.' Cameron replied, smirking.

'Is he always like that?' Joe asked, sitting next to her on the couch.

'Pretty much.' Cameron said, sighing.

Joe nodded. 'How come he was here?' He asked, looking at Cameron.

Cameron drew a breath. 'It's complicated.' She replied, looking over at him. 'What are you doing here? I'm going to need more than a day to…'

'No,' Joe replied hurriedly. 'I don't want to push you. Not ever. I just wanted to see you. I brought dessert?' He said, smiling as he gestured to the package on the coffee table.

Cameron smiled, yet her heart sunk. There was that feeling again. And this time it was a hundred times worse. But this time it had something to do with House.

… … …