Eva: Glad you thought so!
Kills: Yay. I'm glad my fanfic could make things better!
Roronoa: Hm. I don't think I've ever hit a character with a bus before. I'll keep that in mind. Maybe not for Rebecca...but still! Ha. I don't know if I'll make them a couple or not. Part of me is saying no.
Vanamo: If you wanna write it for me...be my guest. Lol. I'm so lazy...and this does not help!
Ina: Thinking outloud where I can read it is the best. Baha. I'm not sending Rebecca to you! You'll kill her. Hahahaha.
Wesley: Cameron does not know about it. And no promises on me making them a couple. Seriously. I'm glad my writing is good enough to make you review. xD And I like talking with you guys! It's great!
YDPP: ...You say you love it cause it makes me happy?! Lol. Just suggesting reasons. And I hope your power won't go out. That'd be sad! If the Grinch's heart grew...why not House's?! And there's some hot chocolate in this chapter...sorta.
Nameless: I totally need a poem about this chapter. -rofl- And I'm only torturing one of them! Yay!
JB: Naaah. Cam and Remy have to be together for Christmas! And thanks.
Kj: Glad you liked the gift. Took me long enough to decide on. Ha.
Wonderous: Thank you!
Audio: Awww. -egoboost- Thank you!
Less than 13: Well, obviously from the pictures, we used tape to do the mustaches and stuff. Much easier than buying fake ones or painting ourselves! Tho...I could definitely see us painting each other. I don't do pink and fuzzy. -twitch- I'm a dark and twisty kind of person.
Ilessthree: Apparently I'm in a Christmasy mood too. I didn't even plan for this fic to take place around Christmas. Hm. Happy to make your days better!
Amazon: It's not /that/ cold. At least not where I am. But then again...I don't really ever get cold. I'm wearing a cute dress for Christmas too. So...xPPP More angst! But...you all get another treat this chapter too. Cause you're all so good at reviewing. -grin-
Also. I have two very hypothetical questions, guys. Chances are neither of these'll happen, but if they did:
1. Because I already used a car crash in WBND, would it turn you off if I used another one in the very far future in this fic?
2. Say Cam/13 did end up in a relationship and things got M-rated. Would you rather the writing be Cam's POV or Remy's POV?
Input would be greatly appreciated!
Posting now bc I won't be around all day today and most of tomorrow.
Oh...my only excuse for this chapter is all the Mocha I was drinking before writing it. Heh.
Thirteen's POV:
The normal smell of disinfectant in the hospital has been replaced by peppermint, pine, and other festive smells you can't quite put your finger on. The decorations at the annual Christmas party aren't quite as extravagant this year without Cameron helping put them up but everyone still seems cheery and happy for the holidays.
You stand in the doorway with Cameron, watching House over near a table examining the gifts on it. You'd bet a few hundred dollars he was secretly switching nametags on the presents and you wonder who will end up with the gag gifts that were brought for him and Cuddy. "Ready to go yet?" you question, wondering why you even bothered to show up in the first place.
"We just got here," Cameron replies. "Do you really want to spend Christmas Eve at home alone?"
You want to tell her that you wouldn't be alone, but she's already wandering off. Her comfort in the hospital and around most her coworkers comes as a relief. Her avoidance of the guys is noticeable but there's enough women around that it doesn't really matter.
"This is even duller than it was last year," Kutner comments, approaching you from the side. He adjusts the Santa hat on his head then takes a sip of the cocoa he's holding. "Taub and I are hooking up an X-box in the lounge. We were waiting for you."
Glancing at him, you smirk at his hat then return your gaze to Cameron. She looks beautiful in the red sweater she's wearing with her hair falling in loose curls over her shoulders. "I should probably stay here," you reply. You don't want to get too far incase something happens and Cameron decides she needs you. You enjoy feeling needed and like you're protecting her.
Kutner stands there in silence for a moment then follows your gaze to Cameron. "I'm sure Cuddy's keeping an eye on her too," he tries to convince you. "You look like you could use a break."
Cuddy seems to be keeping an eye on House, but you suppose he's the only one Cameron needs some protection from anyway. Videogames do sound like a better way to spend the evening than chatting with co-workers you barely even know. "I didn't bring any money."
"Taub's wife gave him hell for gambling with us," Kutner says. "He's not allowed to place bets anymore."
"Where's the fun in that?" Deciding the cocoa he's holding smells really good, you make your way over to the stand with all the snacks to get yourself a cup. "What games did you bring?" You get yourself a cup of cocoa and a few cookies.
"We brought Halo, MLB SlugFest, Farcry, and Ghost Recon," he replies, grabbing a brownie then refilling his cup with hot chocolate. "We're not playing Ghost Recon with you though."
"Because I kicked your asses last time?" you ask with a smug grin before biting the head off of a gingerbread man.
"I would have beaten you if Taub didn't steal the controller," Kutner defends himself. "Are you going to play or not?"
With one last glance at Cameron, you nod your head. She seems content standing about ten feet away from Wilson as the two of them chat. "I'll just have to beat you on Farcry this time."
"At least I'll beat Taub," he says. He takes a tray and begins to fill it with snacks. "We should take food with us."
"A monkey could beat Taub," you crush his ego and help him pile cookies and brownies on the tray for the three of you. You finish the cookie you were eating then glance around to make sure no one is watching before the two of you sneak out of the room. "You should have brought your Wii."
"Cuddy banned it from the hospital," Kutner replies. "Taub forgot to strap the controller to his wrist and we broke one of the TVs."
"Where was I when this happened?" you ask, grinning. You walk into the lounge and plop down on the couch beside Taub. "Tell me you look like you're sulking because you're going to lose."
"We've been caught," Taub replies with a sigh. He points to a paper covering the outlets on the wall that says, 'Not For Video Games. Get Back To The Party. I Will Check On You After The Wii Incident. - Cuddy.'
"Damn." You get to your feet again and steal one of the cookies off the tray Kutner is holding. "What now?" You were looking forward to avoiding the party and being anti-social.
"Well, I take it you got your suspenders down from the tree on your way in," Taub answers, taking a brownie.
Nearly choking, you glare at him. "What?"
"You didn't notice the Frosty the Snowman decoration being hung from one of the branches with them?" Kutner asks, grinning. His grin fades when you take a step toward him. "It was House's idea. How else would we have gotten in your locker?"
"I had nothing to do with it," Taub defends himself which leads to bickering between him and Kutner.
You walk to the window and glance outside, your eyes widening. Frosty is indeed playing Hangman with your suspenders. Making plans to replace Frosty with Taub, Kutner, and House, you cross your arms tightly across your chest and turn to face them. "Go take that down," you demand. "Before one of you is tied there in place of the snowman."
Kutner puts the tray of food down on the table. "We might need some help," he says. "It was hard enough getting it up there."
"I can't believe you guys." Already planning your revenge, you place your cup down then push past the two of them and lead the way out of the hospital. A few people are standing by the tree snickering but they quickly leave when the three of you arrive.
Kutner stands beside you for a moment, seeming to admire his handiwork. "I forgot my jacket inside," he says. "And my camera." He turns to leave but you grab him by the arm to stop him. "Alright, alright." He approaches the tree and grips on of the branches, trying to swing his foot up onto it. "It's too cold to hold onto."
Taub goes to help give him a boost but Kutner slips and they both fall to the snowy ground.
You glare at them. "Move." Using your foot, you make them roll out of the way then hoist yourself up onto the lowest branch. "Don't we have a ladder?"
"The maintenance guy took it back," Taub explains. "Don't slip."
"I'm not going to slip." The next branch is rather flimsy and you have to use the one above it to help support yourself so it doesn't break. "So you did use a ladder to get him up here?"
The two of them glance at each other. "For the most part," Taub answers.
Groaning, you shake your head. The branch under your feet makes a cracking noise and you quickly swing your feet up so you're hanging on the branch above it. After inching forward like a sloth, you unhook your suspenders from the branch and let Frosty fall to the ground. It misses Kutner's head by a few inches and you frown in disappointment. Letting your feet drop back down, you try to put as little weight on the branch beneath you as possible. It snaps anyway and you shriek, clutching tightly to the branch above it.
Taub lets out a few muffled curse words when the branch hits him in the face. He glares up at you and rubs his cheek, leaving a trail of blood across his face.
"Oh, shit," you curse, swinging your dangling feet and realizing there isn't a branch within reach. "Guys, help."
"What are we supposed to do?" Kutner asks. He glances at Taub. "I'll give you a boost."
"There is no way. You're going up there and getting her down," Taub replies. "You hung it up there. I'll give you a boost."
"Someone get up here!" You arm slips and scrapes against the tree bark and you quickly retighten your grip. "Go get the ladder!" You consider dropping but you're high enough off the ground that you doubt you'd land on your feet.
"The maintenance guy could have taken it anywhere," Kutner answers. He grabs onto the lowest branch and tries to hoist himself up with the help of Taub. He ends up standing on Taub's shoulders before successfully getting on the branch. "This was a lot easier before," he mutters, clinging for dear life to the bark.
"Stand up and help," you demand. You try to kick him but your legs aren't long enough. "I'm going to fall." Fortunately, you're too pissed off to be afraid. "Kutner, I swear…"
"I'm trying!" He slowly gets to his feet and supports himself with the trunk of the tree. Reaching up, he places his hands on your waist. "Alright. Just drop and I'll catch you."
"Are you sure you're going to catch me?" you ask. "Maybe we should figure out a new plan."
"I'll catch you," he answers. "I swear."
It's either not believe him and fall for sure or believe him and have a slight chance you won't fall. You sigh quietly and glance at the sky then look down and slowly let go. Your shirt gets caught on the branch and throws both of you off balance. Kutner lands on top of Taub and you crash into Frosty, breaking right through the hard plastic.
Sharp pains begin to shoot up your arm as soon as the shock wears off. Kutner tries to help you up but you shove him away and get up yourself. The broken plastic left cuts from your hand all the way up to your elbow and tears begin to burn your eyes when you realize how painful it is to move your wrist.
"Is she crying?" Taub whispers as if only Kutner should hear.
"I'm not crying," you snap. It's a lie and you find yourself blinking away tears. Your entire arm is throbbing and blood is beginning to leave little dots on the snow. The three of you stand there staring at each other for what feels like forever. Taub looks guilty and Kutner just looks shocked. You're the first one to move. You grab your suspenders then cradle your arm to your chest and walk back inside.
"Remy, I was looking fo-Oh my God." Cameron rushes toward you and grabs you by your good arm. "Are you okay? What happened?"
"I'm fine," you assure her. She places two of her fingers near your wrist and you flinch, quickly pulling away from her. "Don't touch it."
"Sorry," she apologizes hastily. "I think you sprained it. You might need an x-ray." She turns to face the door as a disheveled Kutner and Taub walk inside, Taub bleeding from the face where the branch hit him. "Did you guys get into a fight?"
"Yeah," you reply sarcastically. "Cuddy wouldn't let us play x-box so we decided to take the action outside." You roll your eyes. "We were climbing a tree."
"Why were you climbing a-"
"Don't even ask," you cut her off. Glancing down at your arm, you frown as the blood soaks through your shirt. "I'm going to get some Band-aids then we can leave."
"Remy, you probably need stitches," Cameron replies, placing a hand on your back and guiding you toward one of the nearest exam rooms.
"I don't need stitches." You place pressure one on of the deeper cuts, trying to keep what blood is in you from joining the blood that's out. The pain causes you to blink back a few more tears. "I can take care of it."
"How did you get all of these cuts just from climbing a tree?" she questions.
"It was like the return of Frosty the Snowman," Kutner jokes. "You should see the damage she did to him though."
Spinning around, you take a few steps toward him but Cameron curves an arm around your waist to hold you back and Taub jumps in front of Kutner to protect him. "If you wouldn't have hung him up there to begin with," you start in a dangerously low voice, but Cameron drags you into a room.
"Sit down," she says, shaking her head. "Your cuts need stitches and your wrist needs wrapped."
Staring at your arm, you take a seat on the edge of the bed and shake your head. Two of the cuts definitely need stitches. You put slight pressure on your wrist and more tears run down your face. "Damn it." She's looking at you in concern and you manage to smile slightly. "Kutner's right though. I kicked Frosty's ass. He's not a jolly, happy soul anymore."
After staring at you in confusion, Cameron shakes her head and leaves to room. You walk over to the sink and work on washing off most of the blood until she returns a few minutes later with a needle and the suture kit. "You weren't even wearing a jacket outside. You could catch Pneumonia."
"I was only out there for a second," you mutter, returning to the bed. Holding out your arm, you let her disinfect it then numb it with the needle. You'll never tell her, but it makes you feel good to know she cares about something as simple as whether or not you wear a jacket outside. "Could you hurry up?"
"It's true that doctors make the worst patients." She sews up your arm then examines your wrist and frowns. "It doesn't look broken but if it swells more, we're coming back tomorrow and you're getting an x-ray."
"Yes, Mother," you mumble under your breath even though you're secretly enjoying the attention. Her touches are extremely light and gentle even though she's being hard on your verbally. Looking down, you play with one of the clips on your suspenders as she wraps your wrist. "I'm going to kill them. They are so dead."
"Whatever happened, they probably didn't mean it," Cameron assures you. "They're your friends."
As much as you don't want to admit it, you know she's right. The last thing they would have wanted would be for you to get hurt.
She finishes wrapping your wrist and wipes a few tears away from your cheek with her thumb. "Are you okay now?"
"I was fine to begin with," you mutter.
"Well, well," House says, walking into the room. "What happened to you?"
"Leave, House," Cameron demands, going slightly rigid.
"You're missing out on the party," House replies, walking over. "I thought I'd bring some of the Christmas tradition to you." He reaches in his pocket and pulls out mistletoe.
"We're not going to kiss, House." You glance at Cameron to make sure she's okay, ready to get up and pull her from the room if there's even the slightest hint of a breakdown coming.
"I was going to suggest one of you kiss me, but the two of you kissing is an even better idea." He smirks and dangles the mistletoe over your head. "You're already living together."
"Leave." You glare at him and bat the mistletoe away with your good hand. "You've already caused enough problems." He holds the mistletoe over you again and you huff, getting ready to stand and leave.
Cameron leans forward and presses her lips to your cheek. "Happy?"
House grins. "For now." He turns to walk out then turns back and points at you then tells Cameron, "Oh. You might want to treat her for shock too."
You watch him walk away and sit there in stunned silence. Your cheeks are bright pink. Your heart is skipping beats and butterflies have filled your stomach. She's grinning and you refuse to look her in the eye in fear of her noticing you're falling for her.