Okay... so I managed to put up the next chapter sooner than expected... don't sue me, I was guesstimating. I really didn't expect to get back the same day and re-post... Anyway, here's chapter six, and it's a little short, but the rest'll follow soon enough... and that's a threat.


CHAPTER SIX – IMPRESSIONS AND DEPRESSIONS

Cameron took a deep breath and poked her head into House's office.

"Hey. Do you need me for anything else tonight? I was gonna head home otherwise."

He didn't look up from his Game Boy. "Go. Be young, wild and free. Don't need you."

She almost sighed with relief. He wasn't looking, he wouldn't see her dressed up.

"Great. So I'll see you tomorrow." She turned back to the door.

"Wait."

She slowly rotated back around. He still hadn't looked up. Good.

A high-pitched squeak emanated from the tinny speakers of his console, and he grinned momentarily, seemingly forgetting he had called her back.

She nervously smoothed down her dress. "Doctor House?"

"I just… wanted to say…" he paused, obviously struggling for words. "Look, for some reason, Wilson seems to like your couch. Says it's comfortable, or something."

She blinked, and then it sunk in. He was thanking her for taking care of his friend. "You're welcome," she responded, relaxing. Just when she thought he really was the most callous man in existence, he turned around and did something—in his own, extremely unique, House-like way—to make her revise her opinion.

"Yeah, well, just make sure he stays on the couch. Two colleagues in a relationship is never a good idea."

She stiffened again, aware that he was also referring to her hopes of him and her. And then she went back to thinking of him as callous. "Well, I don't know," she responded haughtily. "Relationships are sometimes good to have. Of course, you haven't had one in a while, so you must've forgotten what they're like."

He finally paused the game and looked up at her, narrowing his eyes as he took in her attire. "You weren't thinking of going home. You're going on a date."

She grinned internally, documenting his expression in her mind. It had only lasted for a few seconds, but she knew she had seen it: a mixture of longing, jealousy and disappointment. She hadn't been completely wrong about his feelings for her.

"It's just a friendly dinner." She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Your Cuddy impression is truly fascinating, but really, Cameron, when we play charades next time try not to be so obvious."

She frowned, confused, until she looked down and saw her that her crossed arms had caused her low-cut dress to gape slightly, exposing the tops of her breasts. She kept her hands planted where they were, refusing to let him beat her. "Well, the next time you attempt The Grinch you could at least wait until Christmas."

His eyes widened. "Me-ow! But you're lying. It's not just 'a friendly dinner.' You go on those all the time with Foreman and Chase, but you've never dressed up before."

"I'm going somewhere nice. I have to look the part."

"Who's taking you? Where?"

She opened her mouth to tell him it was none of his business, but was interrupted.

"Hey," Wilson said, pushing open the door. "Ready to go?"

House looked surprised, but he picked up his cane and stood. "Okay. Where?"

Wilson flashed him an apologetic look and turned to Cameron. "So, you all set?"

She nodded, thankful that he had relieved the growing tension. "Yeah. Let me just grab my purse."

She avoided looking at House and hurried into the conference room and to her desk, mindful not to leave the two men alone for too long. Grabbing her purse, she stepped back into House's office. "Okay. Ready."

"Great." Wilson placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the door. She could almost feel the daggers House was glaring at her pierce her skin and cut through her.