Chapter Three - Helmet Hair And A Quick Kiss

It was the day of the Valentine's Ball. Excitement was flooding the hospital, and it was all anyone could talk about. House was proud to tell anyone who asked that he was going with Cameron. He didn't even bother saying it was because neither of them had anyone to go with. He was pleased to call Cameron his date.

Wilson stepped into the elevator to go and see House. He entered with a few other doctors and some nurses. The two nurses were gabbling on about the Valentine's ball, and Wilson couldn't help but over hear.

"Well, I'm going with Daniel Johnson! He asked me and everything!"

"I'm going with Rupert Jones! He's so cute!"

"Really? Oh my gosh! Oh yeah, and have you heard..."

"What?"

"Allison Cameron is going with Doctor House!"

Wilson's ears pricked up as both his friend's names were mentioned. A smile crossed his lips. They were going together.

"Is this the grumpy Doctor House from Diagnostics? The one no-one likes?"

"That's the one! But apparently, he asked her!"

Wilson squeezed out of the elevator on the fourth floor and headed for House's office.

"So you're going with Cameron then?" he asked as he walked in.

"Who told you?"

"House, it's all round the hospital! I had to hear it from two gossiping nurses!"

"Wow. News travels fast! I only mentioned it to a few doctors who asked me! It's not like I've been shouting it from the rooftops!"

"Does she know how you feel yet?"

"I don't feel anything!" he denied.

"House, Come on! I know you love her. Does she know?" House was amazed at how persistent Wilson was. He figured out it was easier to tell him the truth. House just shook his head.

"Well how did you ask her out?"
"We both had no-one to go with, so I said that we should go together. And she said yes. It wasn't like a real offer."

"House!"

"What? She's coming with me isn't she?"

"You can't keep hiding you feelings forever. If you want to be with her, you're going to have to figure out a way to tell her. Write her poetry, declare it from the rooftops, text her, serenade her from her window, anything! Just tell her how you feel for God's sake!"

Wilson turned and left. House stared after him. He was right. He was always flipping right.

Later that day, the afternoon had turned into evening and Cameron came into House's office. He had fallen asleep in his chair. Cameron leaned up against the wall and watched him. He looked so adorable when he was asleep. He looked innocent and vulnerable and Cameron just wanted to fall asleep next to him; wrap her arms around him and hold him close. She wanted to feel the warmth from his body and let him keep her safe. It's never going to happen she told herself, and she shook her head for even thinking about it. House began to stir and opened his eyes slowly. He turned his head towards the door and smiled when he saw Cameron.

"Morning sleepy head." she said quietly.

"Hey. What time is it?" asked House sleepily.

"Just gone half 4."

"I thought everyone had gone home." said House with his eyes half open as he stretched his arms out.

"Most people have. It's basically deserted downstairs." Cameron shifted House's feet across on his stool and sat down next to them. "I just came to see you before I went."

House sighed after stretching and flopped his arms down next to him. He looked at Cameron. Her eyes were shimmering under the glow from the lamp, and her skin looked so soft under the faint light.

"So, you're my date tonight." he said with a smile.

"Yep, looks like it. Are you looking forward to it?"

House hesitated for a moment. "Yeah, actually I am. I didn't think I would, but seeing as you're my date, how can I not look forward to it?" teased House.

"What time do you want me to pick you up?" asked Cameron.

"What? No, what time do you want me to pick you up?"

"House, you can't drive you your leg - and I refuse to ride your bike when I have a dress on. Plus, I don't wanna turn up with helmet hair!"

"Ohhh..." whined House "but you look cute with helmet hair!" Cameron looked at House and saw that teasing glint in his azure eyes. She laughed and looked back up at him again.

"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you. But if I look cute with helmet hair, maybe I'll start wearing a helmet before work?"

"Sounds good!"

"Ok, seriously House, I really am not going to ride you're bike in a dress."

"It's ok. I've got it sorted. What time do you want me to pick you up?"

Cameron eyed him suspiciously. She decided it was probably best to let the driving thing drop.

"Well, it starts at 7, so I guess about 6:45?"

"That's cool with me." said House nodding.

"Ok. I guess I'll see you tonight then." Cameron got up to leave but House grabbed her arm to stop her.

"Cameron, wait."

Cameron looked down at it and then at House, quite surprised by his actions.

"What is it?"

He wanted to tell her he loved her. He wanted to say how much she meant to him. He wanted to pull her into him and feel her lips against his. But nothing came out. He could only mutter a few words.

"I...I'm glad you're my date." he said softly. Cameron looked into his blue eyes and saw his sincerity. Maybe this wasn't just because they had no one else to go with. Cameron hoped it wasn't, but she didn't want to get her hopes up. It was House after all. Cameron smiled at him.

"I'm glad your mine." Cameron leaned in to him and touched his face. She placed a kiss on his cheek, feeling his rough stubble beneath her lips. House closed his eyes as she did so, feeling her soft and delicate lips on his skin. Cameron heard him inhale sharply as her lips touched him. She parted her lips and lingered near his jaw. Then she pulled away, stroking her hand across his cheek. She watched as House slowly opened his eyes and smiled at her. She smiled back and then she left. House watched her go and then grazed his fingers across his cheek. He could still smell her, and so desperately wanted her to be there again.