Author Note: Yay! New Chapter .. Longer Chapter., Hmm better chapter?

Thank you for all the reviews. I am glad everyone liked the chapter. I hope you all like this one as well. Read, Review and Be merry.

Disclaimer: House Md and Fox do not belong to me

Chapter 19: Hannah steps in

- - A few months later - -

The months flew by for the residents of Princeton, New Jersey. The seasons changed and the leaves were turning. Autumn was about to end and the harsh winter weather would soon begin.

Dr. James Wilson was currently leaving work and paid no mind to the cold weather that whipped around him. The temperature may have been in the lower forties tonight but to Wilson, it seemed like it was in the hundred's. Wilson was angry, and everyone could tell. The nurses that normally flocked to him, ran to get out of his way. In his mind's eye he could imagine how House feels when he walks in the hospital.

That line of thinking made him angrier. Angry at House because of the things he does, angry at him for sleeping with Stacy, angry at him for turning Stacy down, and angry at him for … Bam

Wilson swore lightly under his breath as he looked down at the person he collided with head first while leaving the hospital. As the stars began to clear his head, he looked down at the person kneeling in front of him. A light chuckle could be heard from his victim.

"Why hello Wilson." Cameron said, as she nursed her already red cheek. Her hair was braided and her bangs fell just right.

Wilson smiled at her before setting his eyes in a cold stare. This was the most important reason that he was angry with his friend. This wonderful woman in front of him, in the months following the "breakup" her life was thrown in the tumbler. From the H.I.V scare to actually sleeping with Chase, mad move on her part. It seemed that the world was coming down on her but she never lost her smile.

Wilson knew that part of the reason was due to the wonderful girl at home with her. During the last few months, Hannah was the pillar of support for her mother. He had even had the pleasure of going out with them a couple times. But he could tell that the sadness still lingered in her eyes. You would be an idiot to not see it every time she looked in House's direction.

"You ok Wilson?" Cameron said, looking at him in a curious and slightly worried expression.

Wilson nodded and smiled at her, "Are you headed out for the night?"

"Yeah, I have a child that needs help with her "homework". Which means she wants to talk about something and cover it up with homework." Cameron said with a small laugh.

The two of them started walking towards the parking lot. "So, I hear that you have a special day coming up?" Wilson said, smirking at her with a knowing look.

"Ah yes, you've been talking to Foreman and Chase haven't you?" Allison laughed, as she fished her keys out of her pocket.

"Not quite." He replied, before digging into a pocket on the inside of his jacket. "You see, I got this in the mail yesterday."

Allison's eyes widened when she what he pulled out of his pocket. It was a piece of laminated paper that looked like a vintage opera schedule, except on the front in fine calligraphy is said:

You are cordially invited

On October 31st 2006

To the Birthday Celebration for

Allison Marie Cameron

"Why that little, sneaky."

"Now, now be nice. Be surprised as well." Wilson chided her, "I have a feeling that I wasn't supposed to show you this."

"Don't worry, it is a few weeks before then. We will most likely have a case or something and I'll forget about it." Allison sighed as she pulled out her keys and got ready to leave. A hand stopped her before she got in the car.

"Are you alright?" Wilson asked, her softly.

Allison just looked at him and sighed. She looked up towards House's office and looked back at Wilson. "Yeah, I think I will be. I just hope I don't have a bruise tomorrow morning. I don't want to explain that to anyone." She said with a smile.

Wilson closed her door for her and watched her drive off. His anger was forgotten and it was all due to the woman that just drove away. But, that was just the effect that she had on everyone, even House. It was a pity that she was in love with his best friend. Wilson whistled a soft tune as he walked to his car.

Pans up to the roof of the hospital

A lone man pushed away from the ledge of the roof and limps to the exit. He had seen enough, and a jealous rage flowed through his lean body. His blue eyes were like steel as he stared down anyone in his path. Everyone parted and quivered in the wake of the angry man. He walked past Stacy's office and didn't even stop. Once he reached his office, he closed his blinds and stared out the window.

"Wilson has a lot of explaining to do."

Hmd Hmd Hmd

By the time Allison got home she had completely forgotten about the invitation and the pending birthday party. The rides home from work were normally filled with depressing music and tears. Those thirty minutes were the retreat the she needed to cry. The tears were coming less frequent these days, but the pain never subsided.

After all, it's not easy to be ditched and replaced in a matter of minutes. House had made his choice apparently, sleeping with a married woman no less. And in the midst of all the drama, she still could not find a new place to live. Eric said he would help her hunt this weekend, for that she was grateful.

The trip from the hospital to her door went by in a flash; she was zoned out until she reached her front door. The door opened and she had to smile. Not a fake smile or a fake laugh, there were none of those at home.

"Hey." Hannah said, nervously. She paused to look at her mom's face. "What happened to you?" She asked, pointing to the forming bruise that marred her mother's face.

"Disagreement with a shoulder." Allison said, as she patted her daughter's head and walked into the apartment. She walked back to her bedroom after taking off her jacket and putting her purse away. Halfway through her routine, she noticed that Hannah was following her. In the bedroom she went to change, and she followed her there as well.

"Is it just me or are you turning into a duckling?" Allison mused as she took of her blouse.

"Umm. I have to talk to you about something." Hannah said, shyly as she looked down at her feet.

"I figured as much when you asked me to help you with your homework." Allison said, looking at her daughter with a doubting look. "Unless it has to do with drugs, babies or getting married now it cant be that bad."

"N-no! Nothing like that." Hannah said, shaking her head vigorously. "I was just wondering if I can have someone spend the night this weekend."

"O-o is it a guy from school?" Allison pretended to be excited, looking at her daughter's appalled face. "What you don't have a guy at school that you like?"

"No! Lila, her name is Lila. I told you about her a few times." Hannah explained.

"Ah yes, McAffree's daughter. House told me about her before.. " Allison started before she stopped and stared ahead of her.

Hannah noticed this and sighed. Even now, months after House, she was still not over House. It was a gentle topic at home; hopefully her plan would help that. "Yeah, that's her. Thankfully her stupid brother isn't going to be anywhere near us."

"Aha! I told you it was a guy!"

Hannah rolled her eyes and sighed, "Anyways. Her dad will drop us off Friday after school if you say it's ok."

"Of course it's ok! I can go and get movies and food, you both can have a blast!" Allison said, in an excited voice. Allison changed into a t-shirt and boxers, and then walked to the living room.

"Where will you be?" Hannah asked, following her into the living room and kitchen.

"Oh, I can go out if you want me too. I wouldn't want to cramp up your style or embarrass you."

Hannah thought about this for a minute, "You can stay here and hang out with us if you want. Maybe invite Eric or Wilson."

"Oh, alright." Allison said, "I will talk to them tomorrow. Now, let me get dinner ready. Hamburger Helper ok?"

"Yep." Hannah called out from the dining room as she cleaned off her homework, all of her 'homework'. Besides with Eric, Wilson and Lila; it will be easy to brainstorm for birthday ideas.

Hannah began to put all her work in her messenger bag when she came across the last of the invitations. On the front of the invitation it said: Dr. House.

"Hey mom." She called, holding the invitation in her hands.

"Hm – m?"

"I am going to be late from school tomorrow, I have a project to work on in Art. I'll take the late bus home or get a ride from Lila." Hannah said, putting the invitation in her bag.

"Oh, alright. I'm getting off early tomorrow and Friday. Maybe we can go shopping for this weekend?" Allison asked, looking over at Hannah while she was browning the meat.

"When have I ever said no to shopping mom?" Hannah laughed, joining her mom in the kitchen to help with dinner.

'Tomorrow.' She thought to herself, as she watched her mom cook with a small smile on her face.

Hmd Hmd Hmd

Hannah stood in front of the Princeton-Plainsboro hospital just staring into the ER waiting room. Part of her knew that this had to be done, if her mom and House weren't going to take the first step; then she would do it for them.

So, with her chin high and her back straight she walked in the hospital and made her way to the elevators. She remembered that House's office was on the third floor. After getting off the elevator and wondering around she concluded that she was very lost.

"Only I can get lost in a hospital" she mumbled under her breath. As she turned the corner she bumped into someone and fell with a thud on the floor. When she looked up she saw a hand stretched out to her. Looking up, she saw Foreman and smiled.

"It looks like you might have a shiner tomorrow as well." Foreman laughed, as he tipped her chin lightly to look at her red cheek. He just sighed and nodded his head. Looking at her curiously he asked, "What are you doing here? Cameron left hours ago."

Hannah jostled from foot to foot and looked down at the tiled floor of the hospital. "I had to do something for mom. It's her birthday and all." Hannah said.

Eric took a moment to look at her, it seemed that whatever she was here for was making her very nervous. This meant that it probably has something to do with the doctor that was currently holed up in his office. "Follow me."

At that, he turned around and walked down the hall while Hannah became a true duckling. She followed him down a hall and came to a very familiar set of rooms. The blinds were drawn and the lights were off. Apprehension filled her as she stepped behind the larger form of Foreman and towards the doors.

"Don't worry. Wilson's office is right next door and if you run, he can't catch you." He said with a light smile.

It was that smile that boosted her confidence. So, with a timid hand she opened the door and stepped through the blinds. House was currently sitting in his chair with his back towards her and throwing a large red ball in the air.

"The lights were off for a reason." He said, while turning the chair around. Hannah just stood there letting light into the office, while she stood in shock. "If that didn't work, let's take the direct approach. Shut the D-a-!" House began to yell before looking at the person in the doorway of his office.

"Um. Hello." Hannah said, shutting the blinds while standing close to the exit. Just in case he yelled at her again.

"Hi, cool kid. Long time no see." House said, recovering from his initial shock. Cuddy, he expected. Or Wilson, or foreman. But not her, "how have you been?"

"Ok, I guess. School is going good and one of my paintings might win an art competition at school." Hannah stuttered, standing near the door still.

"I wouldn't hurt you in a hospital, that would be a waste of energy." He told her while gesturing for her to sit down. He watched her sit down and they looked everywhere except at each other for a few minutes.

"Are you doing anything on Halloween?" Hannah blurted out, startling them both.

"Trick or treating." House replied, looking over at her.

"You are actually giving candy to kids?" She asked, doubting him.

"That's the trick." House replied, smirking over at her.

Hannah laughed quietly and began to finally relax on the couch that she was sitting on near his desk. When she looked over at him, she caught him staring at her. His normally hard face looked softer. He looked tired and worn out. It was almost as if he was fighting something.

"Why?" House asked, causing her to jump a little. When she didn't answer he asked again, "Why did you ask me about Halloween?"

"Don't you know what day it is?" Hannah asked, as she stood up and walked towards the front of his desk.

"The last time I checked it was still Halloween." House replied, watching her come towards him. She was digging in her bag for something. When she finally found it, she smiled brightly and dropped her bag on the ground.

She outstretched her hand towards him and he saw a medium sized envelope with his name elegantly scripted on the front. He took it carefully from her and opened it.

"Ah." Was all he said as he read the contents.

Now, being Cameron's boss he knew his employees birthdays. He just never cared to remember them. Maybe he should start. The invitation itself was a work of art, most likely done by the teen in front of him. It listed the date and time for the party, as well as the location of the event.

October 31, 2006

Arrival 7:45 Pm

Location: Mon Plasir. Please R.S.V.P as soon as possible

House looked at the invitation and looked back at Hannah. The first thing that came to mind was, "Hell No!" and to throw it back to her on fire. But, the look in her eyes made him stop. These last few months it may have seemed like he had forgotten about Allison.

But, that wasn't the case at all. There was a huge difference between forgetting and pushing away. His head began working a mile a minute, should he or shouldn't he?

For once, House told his brain to shove off. He looked up at Hannah and saw her smile. The smile she gave him reminded him of some of the smiles that Allison used to give him, a smile that lighted up the room.

"I thought I said no lights." He said, looking up at her with a small smirk. She just blushed and ducked her head. He stood up and retrieved his cane from the bookcase and limped over to her. "Come on. You're on my way home."

Hannah smiled again and picked up her things. When she went to follow him she looked in the conference room and flashed a "V" sign before following him out the office.

In the conference room, a grinning oncologist held out his hand to a slightly perturbed nephrologist.

Hmd Hmd Hmd

That night House sat in his living, staring at nothing really. The t.v was on but he wasn't watching it. His 'scotch' glass was full, but he wasn't drinking it. His piano was calling to him, but he just couldn't play it tonight.

For the first time in a long time, he was stumped. He actually wanted to go to Cameron's party to make her .. cringe the word .. happy. That same smile that she flashed for everyone, he wanted her to give him one. He didn't realize how much he missed it. That is, until her daughter came to see him today.

Now, all he could do is actually look forward to earning that smile back. A task that seemed almost hopeless. Almost as hopeless as the gift that he was going to give her.

"Oh crap." He thought, as he realized that he had no idea what to give her.

It was then that a solid knock brought attention to the front door. Knowing who that knock was already, he stood up and limped to the door.

His salvation stood in the grinning form of James Wilson loaded down with Chinese food. Tonight, he was truly glad to see him.

"Took, you long enough. You're thirty minutes late." House scalded as he took the bags from Wilson.

"The telepathy must be off tonight, I thought you would actually be thankful." Wilson sighed, taking off his jacket.

"For you being late, why would I be thankful for that?"

It was at that point that Wilson stopped to look at House, in the last few months the playful bashing that he was used to was all but gone. In its place was the harshness that came with Stacy normally. But now, he was starting again.

"You're happy." Wilson said to House, who was currently munching on some pork lo mein. Wilson stood up to get plates from the kitchen and a dirnk.

"To be eating? Sure am" House quipped, trying to ignore him.

"No, you're happy." Wilson replied to him, taking the box from him and putting some on a plate. House glared at him before picking up the box of chicken chow mein.

House just ignored him and continued to munch while Wilson got his food ready. He already knew what was up with House; he was just waiting for him to admit it.

"Hannah came today." House said, not looking at Wilson.

"Ah, wasn't she a hooker?" Wilson joked, but stopped when he saw the look of death that was showing on House's face. "Just kidding House." He said, trying to appease him. "So, what did she want?"

"To invite me to Cameron's birthday party."

"I hope you let her down softly." Wilson said to him. Of course Wilson already knew what House said having won a hundred bucks off Chase and Foreman today, which is why he was here with dinner anyways. "You did let her down right?"

After a few minutes of House not answering and not looking at him, Wilson looked at him with shock, "You didn't say no?" Wilson asked him, trying to look at his face. "You said yes. Wow. I'm .."

"Never going to let it down, I know."

"Well, that too. But, I'm just speechless. I really have nothing to say." Wilson said, leaning back into the couch.

"If only I had figured out that trick earlier, man the migraines I could've avoided." House sighed, putting down the Chinese food container.

Wilson watched House for a few minutes while House pretended to watch television. "There's something else, isn't there?" He asked.

House rolled his eyes and said, "Well, I thought to knock you out once. But what would all the nice nurses think when you came to work with a black eye?"

"Huh, so you are either not sure if you want to go .."

"I am always sure of everything I do." House interrupted.

"Or you have no idea what to get said birthday girl." At that House flinched slightly and dropped his head slightly. "Aha, so it is about a gift. Well, there's the usual things; flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep."

"Thanks Cogsworth. Have any more Disney metaphors? Or should I just beat you to death with my cane now." House said, putting his head in his hands.

"Well you could rig her up a dress that flashes pink and blue." Wilson said, while moving to the other coach in order to avoid the 'cane of doom'. "I also hear that they do have horse-drawn carriages downtown that run well pass midnight."

"Lord, help me." House said, putting his head back in his hands. Wilson laughed at him before coming to sit beside House once again with a pad of paper.

"Ok, let's start with what NOT to get her."

Hmd Hmd Hmd

"For the last time House, an I owe you for sex .. "

"Ah ah." House chided, "Recreational Activities, thank you."

"Sex, is not the best gift to give her. Now an I owe you for a punch in your face would be a good gift. Heck, I would like that gift right now." Wilson said, while flouncing in the chair next to the couch.

It was well over 11 pm and either all the ideas were stupid, insensitive or just trouble waiting to be unleashed. Both of the men were confused and aggravated when House's pager went off. House, of course ignored it. A few minutes later, Wilson's cell phone went off. Wilson, of course answered it.

"Wuss." House said, while looking down at the paper they had been poring over for the last 2 hours.

There was something, he just wasn't seeing what it was. This blew his mind. The fact that he could diagnose anyone almost by looking at them, but when it came to Cameron; nothing was easy.

"Hello." Wilson said in the phone, "Yeah. Ok." He handed the phone to House while going back to the paper.

"Better be good, Tupac." House said in the phone.

"Come to 1489 Lanora Drive. It's about 15 minutes from you."

"Alright." House said, before clicking his phone off. He handed Wilson his phone and pulled himself to stand up. Wilson looked at him with a puzzled expression as he started to get his keys, jacket and helmet on.

"Where are you going?" Wilson asked with a puzzled expression on his face.

House threw a helmet at Wilson and walked pass him. "Going to a drug deal."

"Let's take my car. I am not riding a bike with you." Wilson said, making a move to give House his helmet back.

"Don't be a wuss, Wilson. Be the boy wonder that I know you are." House said, leaving the apartment. After a few minutes, Wilson followed with the helmet on.

"If you kill me .." Wilson started.

"You'll have half the city at your funeral, I promise."

Wilson didn't have time to comment before House sped down the road.

Hmd Hmd Hmd

Eric and Robert stood next to Eric's car as they waited for their boss to show up.

"Do you think he'll show?" Chase asked, as he looked over in Eric's direction.

"Oh, he'll show. His curiosity will get the better of him, it always does." He said, looking both directions down the street.

The two men jerked their heads up when they heard a bike tear down the street, roaring pass them. They followed the bike with their heads as it flew pass them again. The third time, the bike screeched to a halt. The passenger almost flipped over the driver when it came to a stop.

Foreman rolled his eyes while Chase shook his head. House put the kickstand down and unhooked his cane, while the passenger just sat on the bike.

"Are you going to get off the bike Wilson?" House asked, looking back at him. He sighed and began limping towards Foreman and Chase. When he reached them he looked towards Chase. "Aussie, get the luggage please."

Chase just glared at House and walked to the bike to check on Wilson. Once he got there, he managed to pry the helmet off of him. After a few minutes, Wilson looked at Chase and went to move to get off the bike. Chase stood by him as Wilson stood up on shaky legs.

"First time on a bike?" Chase asked.

"Last time on a bike." Wilson corrected, while he was trying to get his body to start moving.

Chase laughed and helped Wilson to come to stand by House and Foreman. House and Foreman were currently looking in front of them. Foreman with a look akin to pride.

"So, what do you think? Am I good or what?" Foreman asked House in a hushed tone.

"Depends on if you stole it or not."

Foreman just rolled his eyes before replying, "Would it hurt you just to give me a little credit?"

House just ignored him and continued to look ahead of him, "Time to go home. Come on Wilson."

When House turned to limp towards his bike, he caught Foreman looking at him. The look in his eyes showed Foreman everything he needed to know. That one look told him what his boss couldn't say:

I'm proud of you

Until next time: