Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of House, M.D.


House's Symptoms

Cameron woke up the instant her alarm went off. She jerked up into a sitting position, her stomach full of nervous little flutters. Friday, February the 14th. For her, it may as well have been Friday the 13th. She had anticipated this day with dread ever since the relationship between her and House had developed into something serious. Knowing that House was not the most romantic of souls, she was not expecting much. For all she knew, he didn't even believe in Valentine's Day; and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't help but secretly hope that House would do the unexpected and sweep her off her feet.

Both of them had been avoiding the issue of what to do. Cameron didn't want to bring it up, not wanting to overstep any boundaries. It had taken a while for them to even start dating again after the fiasco of their first date that Cameron was still very much on her guard. Having learned her lesson, Cameron didn't want to push him too far, too fast.

With a determined expression on her face, she got ready for work, adding a dab more makeup than usual and taking out the curlers she'd put in her hair the night before. No matter what House chose to do, or not do, she wanted this day to be different. If House did decide to surprise her with dinner plans, at least she would be ready. If he didn't, well, at least she would brave through the day, looking a little more glamorous. Giving up her normal outfit of a matching vest and pants set, she put on a whimsical blouse and a knee-length skirt. It was still professional, but it was different. And that was all that mattered. It wouldn't be just any other day. Seeing that she was running later than usual, she quickly grabbed her coat and car keys. With one last check in the mirror, she headed out the door and drove to work.

Cameron walked into the conference room to surprisingly find all three men sitting there. Foreman and Chase had come in earlier than normal just in case House did decide to do something romantic. If he did, they wanted to be there and witness it. It would make the juiciest piece of gossip; and neither man wanted to miss it. Plus, they were both a bit peeved that House had a girl while they didn't; they had to at least get something out of this situation.

House was sitting there, busily watching General Hospital on his handheld TV. When he heard Cameron's heels, he looked up, took in her appearance, and let out a low whistle of appreciation. "Nice," he said, drawing out the word as he teasingly leered at her. Then, his eyes went back to the TV screen.

Cameron gave a weak smile and went to her office to hang her coat and set down her bag. She grabbed her lab coat, took a deep breath to prepare herself for a disappointing Valentine's Day, then went back out into the conference room. Foreman and Chase were both putting off their clinic hours as long as they could, waiting for House to make a move. Chase was pretending to do a crossword puzzle while Foreman was leafing through a medical journal. After an unusually silent hour of watching House stare at his TV screen and Cameron read her book, the two of them gave up and finally left for clinic duty.

When the other two had left, Cameron slightly tensed up in anticipation. Maybe now that the boys were gone, he would finally acknowledge the fact that it was Valentine's Day and do something other than watching his silly soap opera. Finally, after the show had ended, House got up.

"I'm guessing from your fancy attire that you know it's Valentine's Day today," House remarked as he walked to the white board and picked up a pen.

"Yes," Cameron admitted hesitantly. She didn't say anything more, waiting to see what House would do next.

"Well, I've got a special case that I need your consult on."

"Oh, okay," Cameron replied, in a slightly deflated voice. "What are the symptoms?"

House turned back around and started writing. A minute later, House capped his pen and moved aside for Cameron to see what he had written on the board.

-Stomach flutters

-Periods of high blood pressure

-Weak knees

-Distractedness

-Unusual possessiveness

-Moments of difficulty breathing

-Unnaturally content and happy with his life

Cameron looked at the symptoms, a bit confused. "I don't think I've ever heard of any illness with these symptoms. Do you know who the patient is? I could go take a family history for you."

"Well, you wouldn't have to go very far. I'm the patient."

"You are? Are you okay?"

"Geez, Cameron. I'm trying to be romantic here and tell you that I love you." House went back to the board and started erasing.

"Wait…I don't get it."

"These are all obvious symptoms of lovesickness! C'mon, do I have to spell it out for you? This is why I shouldn't try to be romantic. One of the biggest moments in our relationship, and you don't get it. Just forget it."

"Ahh. I see," Cameron smiled widely. She walked up to House and stilled his hand. She waited until he faced her. "So, you love me, huh?"

"Yeah," House muttered, turning back towards the board.

She brought her hand up to his face, forcing him to look at her. "Well, you already know that I love you."

"Wouldn't hurt for you to say it."

Cameron took the eraser out of his hand and set it down. Then, she wrapped her arms around his neck, making him lean down as she stood on her tiptoes. She brought her lips very close to his ears and whispered, "I love you. Thank you very a beautiful Valentine's Day."

Then, she leaned back and pulled him down for a kiss. Cameron knew that it wasn't exactly appropriate to kiss your boss at work, but it wasn't every day that he told you that he loved you. Plus, it was House—something romantic out of him was as likely as Wilson not flirting with one of the nurses.

It was at this moment that Foreman and Chase walked back in, having gotten a case from Cuddy. Foreman was the first one in. When he saw House and Cameron, he suddenly stopped, causing Chase to run into him. The two of them looked like something out of the Three Stooges. Chase looked over Foreman's shoulder to see what made him stop. House and Cameron pulled away from each other slightly, still in each others' arms, and regarded the other two with amusement.

"I told you we should've come back up sooner," Chase told Foreman smugly.

Cameron just laughed and went back to kissing the love of her life.

FIN