Amazing Grace- A House/NCIS story

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything House related except DVDs. Ryan is mine, though.

AN. This is my fav chapter! One of them... lol. I also love high school musical.

Chapter nineteen:

"Don't you just love the feeling of adrenaline and justice that we get when we get to arrest someone?" Tony asked McGee giddily as the team entered the lobby of the NCIS building.

Both McGee and Ziva gave Tony weird looks. "I think you could have a problem, Tony," McGee said, half-serious.

"The first move is to admit you have a problem," Ziva added.

"The first step," Tony corrected her loudly.

"Agent Gibbs?" They all turned as one as the receptionist called out to Gibbs.

"Are you me?" Gibbs asked them, and they turned away, but not moving away.

"What is it, Lena?"

"Uh, while you were gone, a visitor came looking for you. A woman." Lena said awkwardly.

"Does Gibbs have a new girlfriend?" Tony hissed to Ziva who shook her head wordlessly.

"Ok, where is she?" Gibbs queried.

"Well, I said she could wait upstairs, but then Abby came in and took her down to the lab," the young girl stammered.

"Thanks," he replied and headed for the elevator, pressing down instead of up.

"Lena, does she have a name?" he called out as the group waited for the elevator.

"Yes, sir. Uh, Allison Cameron."

The team all exchanged surprised looks as the elevator came and the doors opened.

Cameron was sitting in the lab, watching dizzily and nodding as Abby explained all the lab's equipment to her, feeling calmer than she had before her arrival. She had arrived the previous afternoon, found a hotel and spent all night crying, with her phone switched off. Both women looked around as the lab doors hissed open and Gibbs and the team entered.

"Ally!" McGee cried, as they all hugged her.

"Hi," she smiled brightly, trying to remain cheerful.

"You're here!" Ziva said in disbelief, yet happily.

"So, Allison. What brings you to our fair city on a Tuesday morning?" Tony grinned.

Cameron opened her mouth to reply, but all that came out was a choked out sob as her shoulder's began to shake.

"Tony!" cried Ziva and Abby in unison, dashing forward to hug their friend.

Cameron chuckled tearily and shook her head. "No, I'm okay."

"Yeah, you look it," Tony said sarcastically, wrapping her in a bear hug.

She wiped her eyes and gave a small smile. "Sorry."

"For what?" Gibbs asked her quietly, and she lifted her eyes to meet his and smiled.

"Nothing."

"Good girl. Are you okay?"

"Any more missing friends?" McGee asked her.

"No, nothing like that. It's Greg."

"He's missing?" Tony frowned.

Cameron sighed. "No, he's at home, I think. We had a fight... yesterday and he said some stuff... and I- I just had to get out of there. I couldn't think of anywhere else to come except Ireland and that's a bit out of my price range," she laughed slightly.

Gibbs and the team exchanged worried looks, and Gibbs pulled her aside. "Come on, we'll go get some coffee and have a talk."

Cameron nodded and they left. When the doors had closed behind them, Tony turned to Abby. "Isn't 'I had a fight with my boyfriend' usually a girl to girl talk?"

"Yeah. Unless you have Gibbs," Abby smiled.

Gibbs took her up to the lounge where they got coffee, and then led her to a private room. "What happened?"

Cameron sat down and took a deep breath, inhaling the coffee's rich scent. "Well, we had the day off, which was nice and everything was fine. I got up and read the paper..." here, she started to cry again and she told him the rest in between sobs, including everything about Novak and the rape and everything that House had said.

"He always does this! Everything is fine, until he panics and looks for fights and pushes people away...."

She broke down again, and Gibbs pulled her into a hug. "He promised me he'd never hurt me..." she whispered. "He said we'd talk... so this wouldn't happen! And then... I've given him everything, Gibbs! He won't even tell his parents about us! Then he tells me that he can't give me the life I want, or deserve... he said he can't change and he can't be Ryan! I never asked him too! I never said I wanted to get married and have kids, I haven't even thought about it, because I knew he wouldn't! I gave him all of me, Gibbs. I-I don't think there's anything left," she whispered brokenly.

Gibbs held her as she cried the last of her tears, all the while thinking of how many ways he could hurt Greg House. Finally, he gave her a moment to calm herself and went to find his team, which wasn't a hard task as they were all hovering near the door.

"Is she ok? What happened?" Tony demanded.

"She's fine. Basically, House panicked when she told him she was once raped, and went from there. Allison said he ended up telling her he was going to hurt her and that he couldn't make her happy."

He barely gave them a moment to register that news before he started issuing orders. "Abby, go in there. She could use a friend. Ziva, take McGee and check Allison out of the Imperial. She can stay with one of us. DiNozzo, call House and tell him to get is crippled ass over here. What I want to say can't be said over the phone."

They scattered accordingly, and Gibbs sighed before heading for the cafeteria. Tony dialled House's cell phone, but it rang to voice mail. Tony sighed as the gruff message played before the beep.

"House, it's DiNozzo. Get your crippled ass on the next flight out here. We'll be waiting."

House played the message three times through. Although the phone had been right next to him, he had been paralysed with fear from the first ring, unable to move, just staring at it. He had not slept the night before, waiting for her phone call, and the fact that Tony, not Cameron herself had called, didn't bode well.

"What do I do?" he asked Wilson, still staring at the phone.

"You go to Washington, asshole," he replied immediately.

House sighed and nodded. "I always pictured my obituary reading something cool... like 'Greg House, world famous doctor, dies saving Angelina Jolie from a stalker'... or 'House died falling into a volcano...'"

"To save his Vicodin," Wilson finished dryly. "What's your obituary got to do with the fact you're a jerk?"

"My obituary's gonna read, 'Greg House, world famous doctor was killed by an ex-marine for being an ass.'"

"I'll be sure to make sure he kills you before tossing your corpse into a Vicodin-filled volcano," Wilson retorted, as House left his office.

As luck would have it, there was a flight to Washington in half an hour, so House bought a ticket and sat down in an uncomfortable airport chair. He had spent the night, not sleeping, but replaying the day's event in his head. And each time, he came to the same conclusions. He had panicked. Hearing Cameron casually tell him she was raped was not something he could have ever been prepared for, no matter if they had been dating or not. She had been right too; happiness scared him. Because if he was positive, things were going right, and that wasn't how it was supposed to work. And the only thing that scared him more than things going right, was the possibility that he could be all those things Cameron deserved.

He arrived in DC and caught a cab directly to the NCIS building, where McGee met him in the lobby with an icy demeanour.

"Where is she?" House demanded, as they got off the elevator and were met by Gibbs and Tony.

"Not here," Tony answered.

"If she's not here, why am I here? And why didn't she call?" he fumed.

"I asked Ziva and Abby to take her to lunch," Gibbs told him.

"Great. Ok, I'll wait here until they come back," House replied.

"Not so fast, House. I want a word," Gibbs said coldly, and House froze.

"Of course you do," House muttered, following him to an empty interrogation room. Unbeknownst to House, McGee and Tony slipped into the sound room, turning on the microphone and the camera so they could watch.

"We should have brought popcorn," Tony said quietly. "I'm glad the camera's are on. Ziva would hate to miss this!"

House sat reluctantly down in the chair at the table and Gibbs sat opposite him. "So, how about that local sports team?" House asked brightly as a silence filled the air.

Gibbs leaned across the table, glowering. "Are you aware, Dr. House, that I spent my morning comforting a young woman because you broke her heart?"

"I spent my morning worrying about my girlfriend who left our house yesterday afternoon and never called," House retorted.

"No, she didn't. She was too busy telling us what happened yesterday."

"Then you'll know it's all my fault and we fought over nothing."

Gibbs glared. "I know you hurt a very special woman who we all care a lot about. I know you broke two promises. One to Allison, and one to me."

House looked guilty, and Tony was watching gleefully. "I know," he said quietly.

Gibbs stood up, and began to pace up and down in front of House. "Apparently, the promise you made to Allison is very similar to the one thing I asked of you six months ago. You promised, very solemnly, never, ever to hurt her! You swore to me, under the consequences of severe bodily harm, that she would never have to cry over you, unless they were happy tears."

"I know."

"I said very few things when Allison announced you were dating. I said congratulations, then asked to speak to you. Then I made a promise to myself and you. That you were only to get in this any further if you could be sure you wouldn't break her heart! That she's been through too much, to have to waste her time with you, if you were just going to push her away."

"I know."

"Well, let me remind you of something, House. You agreed to all those conditions. And I believed you. Every time one of us spoke to Allison, the report was always the same. She was happy, content, and madly in love with you. That, apparently, was your doing. But guess what? The woman who was here today, who is out with Ziva and Abby at this very moment, is not happy. She's heartbroken. She gave you everything she had left, because you know what? Every time you suffer a loss or a heartache, you lose a part of yourself. And she's been through a lot. Too much for someone who's not even thirty yet."

"I know," House growled.

"She had to say goodbye to Ryan when they were still falling in love. She lost her husband after only six months of marriage. There was her accident, and the rape and her HIV scare. There was dealing with the fact her father was missing chunks of her life at a time. There was that little incident when her friends were attacked in the middle east. There was falling for you. And there's only so much a person can take. I understand that you don't want to be the one to break her. But if you push her away to prevent the breakage, you're just weakening her defence system."

"I panicked," House cut in, glaring at him. "She sat me down and casually mentioned she was raped. How was I supposed to react?"

"You were supposed to listen, hug her and tell her how much you love her," Gibbs replied. "She needed your support, not your anger."

"She doesn't need my support. Apparently, she's 'dealt with it'," House replied bitterly.

"So, you think because she wasn't a sobbing mess, it wasn't hard for her to tell you?" Gibbs demanded.

House sighed. "No... it was hard for me to hear. I didn't want to imagine her like that."
"Neither do I, but I didn't accuse her of anything."

House glared at him. "I get it. I stuffed up. But you know what, Gibbs? I haven't had an easy life either. And I didn't have the best father figure growing up. So it's a little scary when I know she deserves a life I'd suck at."

"You don't know that. I certainly didn't, I was terrified until the moment I held my daughter in my arms. But it doesn't matter if you think you'd 'suck at it'. Do you want it?"

"Sometimes, yes." House admitted. "And that scares me more than the thought that I'd suck at it."

Gibbs suddenly relaxed and moved to the door. "You're lucky. Because I know Allison loves you, I'm giving you a second chance. Blow this one, and you'll need a wheelchair instead of a cane. Understood?"

House nodded, and stood up. Tony and McGee turned off the equipment and left the room quietly. As he passed Gibbs in the doorway, House suddenly stopped.

"Why do you care so much?"

"Because I know what it's like to lose people you love before it's their time," Gibbs retorted softly. "Because when I see Allison, I see the woman my daughter should have had the chance to become."

House looked him in the eyes and sighed softly. "When she looks at you, she sees a second father. And I know you.. all of you... mean a lot to her."

"Good," Gibbs almost smiled.

When they reached the hallway, House suddenly turned to him again. "What do I do when I see her?"

Gibbs raised an eyebrow. "You listen, hug her and tell her how much you love her."

House nodded. "Right."

When the three women returned from lunch, Cameron saw House lounging around Tony's desk, and froze.

"Greg!" she gaped in shock.

"Hi, Ally. Can we talk?"

Flustered she hesitated, and McGee jumped in. "I'll show you guys to a private room. You can talk there."

"Thanks, Probie," House replied, walking away and Tony grinned triumphantly.

McGee led them to the same room Cameron had poured her heart out to Gibbs in only that morning, and she sat on the table, while House leaned against the wall.

"You didn't call, I was worried," he said finally.

Cameron nodded. "I know. By the time I got here, I didn't feel like talking. Sorry."

House paused, then sighed. "No, you have nothing to apologise for. I'm sorry, I was a jerk."

"I over reacted-" she began but he cut her off.

"No, I did. I took the news about Novak badly. I should have listened to you more."

Cameron smiled slightly. "It's ok."

"And you were right. We're happy, and that scared me. Usually because it's a sign something bad is about to happen."

"You said we would talk," she whispered.

"I know. I broke my promise, and I hurt you. I hate that I did that." He moved towards her and took her hands.

"I trust you, I love you... and I don't want to lose you."

"You can't," she answered, chuckling.

House grinned. "Are we okay?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Just... don't assume things. I love you and I don't want you to change. Ryan's in my past."

"I know that."

She kissed him, and he rested his chin on her head. "I think you're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"I know," Cameron grinned happily.

"Gee, you're pretty confident in that, aren't you?" he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Yeah," she replied.

"That's my girl!"

They returned to the main office, Cameron looking content, and Ziva and Abby smiled knowingly at their friend. As they stood around making conversation, House's cell phone suddenly interrupted them.

"Cuddy.." he murmured to Cameron, making a face and grudgingly answering.

"Yes, O Fearless Leader?... Unfortunately I'm currently out of range... can't Foreman and Chase handle it? ...Really? I've taught them well... Three weeks....two? Fine... I can't get there for at least two hours... I said I'm out of range remember? Yes.... Fine... Bye."

"New case?" Cameron asked, sighing as he hung up.

"Yeah. Nothing major, but it's some big donor's son and they want me there." House sounded less than enthusiastic at the prospect.

"So, we'll catch the next flight home," she said reasonably.

"What? You just got here!" Tony protested.

"We've got a patient!" she replied, but House stopped her.

"We can handle it. Why don't you stay the rest of the week? You deserve a vacation," he suggested.

Cameron's eyes lit up at the idea, but she seemed doubtful.

"Look, if we really need you, we can call you for a consult," House told her practically.

Cameron hesitated and glanced at Tony and Abby, both of whom were nodding eagerly and agreed. "Ok, sure."

"Yay!" cried Abby, jumping up and down.

Cameron giggled and turned to House. "I'll at least come with you to the airport."

Gibbs reached into his pocket and tossed Cameron his car keys. "Here, Ally. Take my car."

She smiled. "Thanks, Gibbs."

House bid goodbye to the team, he and Gibbs sharing a meaningful look before he left, one arm comfortably around Cameron's waist.

"Are you sure about this?" she asked him half an hour later as they sat in the waiting room for House's flight to board.

"It was my idea, remember?" House rolled his eyes.

Cameron bit her lip. "I know. Wait, what did you tell Chase and Foreman where I was today? They're going to ask where I am."

"Relax!" he admonished her gently. "I told them the truth. That we had a fight, you killed me, and now you're on the run."

Cameron glared at him, and he chuckled. "I told them that you needed a break and went to Washington."

She raised an eyebrow. "They believed you? What about Cuddy, I didn't file any paperwork or call her or anything?"

"Of course they believe me! Foreman said, and I quote, 'If I had to live with you 24/7, I'd need a break too'. Chase wants you to bring him a present. As for Cuddy, I told her a slight lie with a basis in fact."

Cameron was suspicious. "What does that mean and should I be worried?"

House looked slightly ashamed. "Are you gonna be mad at me?"

"Maybe. Why?"

"I told her you had a history with Novak and when you saw him in the paper, you needed a break."

"A history?"

"Those were my exact words, I swear!" House protested.

Cameron smirked. "Exactly?"

"Ok, maybe not exactly. I may have added a comment on the end about this being a story that all high school students would be studying in twenty years."

House's flight was called, and Cameron kissed him, before hugging him tightly. "Are you sure we're okay?"

House snorted. "We're fine. Our first fight after six months? You deserve a medal... hey, now I know what to get you for your birthday!"

Cameron rolled her eyes. "Goodbye, Greg. Call me?"

"Always," he assured her, then boarded the plane.

When Cameron returned to the NCIS office, Ziva and Abby pounced on her. "Ok, it's been decided you're staying with me," Ziva announced.

"It's also been decided we're going to have another movie night," Abby added.

"Sounds great," Cameron agreed, beaming.

"Can we come?" Tony asked them.

"Can we still wear our pajamas?" Abby asked him.

"Sure, and I promise not to comment. Also, I'll bring Hollywood's latest blockbuster," he grinned, holding up at disc. "This, ladies, is the tape which contains the illuminating conversation between Dr. Gregory House, and our very own Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs!"

Cameron's eyes widened, but she was smiling. "You interrogated House?"

Gibbs shrugged modestly. "Just a little."

Cameron smiled and hugged him tightly. "Thank you."

"Are you going to come, boss?" McGee asked him.

Gibbs shrugged on his coat. "That, McGee, is one of the few movies I have seen." He smiled gently at Cameron. "It's a happy ending."

She beamed at him, and nodded in agreement as he left and the others began to pack up. The boys and Abby arrived at Ziva's apartment that night bearing beer and pizza, Tony bringing a wide variety of movies. They all voted unanimously to first watch the video of the interrogation, and Cameron sat between Ziva and Tony, munching on popcorn as they watched.

"Damn, Gibbs is scary!" she said as they watched.

"Tell me about it. He can get anyone to confess to anything," McGee told her confidently, through a mouthful of popcorn.

"House really loves you, Ally," Abby said softly.

Cameron chuckled, tears in her throat. "I know. He just has a hard time showing it."

"Yeah, so does Gibbs. But we know he loves us," Tony replied, grinning.

Cameron smiled. "I love you guys too."

"We know," Ziva replied simply.

"That's because we're awesome!" Tony added casually.

Cameron laughed. "Sure. What movie's next?"
"Ooh, I vote for When a stranger calls!" Abby nominated, holding up the movie in question.

"Way too scary!" Cameron protested.

"Nothing sappy!" Tony warned the girls. "So stay away from rom-coms. I'm talking to you, McTim."

After several minutes of going through all the movies, Cameron made an executive decision. "Ok, that's it. I am a guest, I just had a fight with my boyfriend, and I'm a widow and a rape victim. I get movie-picking rights."

"Oh, you so did not just play the Life Dramas card!" Tony said, jaw dropping.

"Yeah, I did," she grinned smugly.

"Damn you, Allison Cameron. If you weren't so pretty and didn't have a cripple and an ex-marine on your side, I would so overrule you!"

"On what grounds?"

"I'm a federal agent. With commitment problems. Do I need to explain?"

Cameron grinned evilly with the others. "No. Not at all. You're right though, DiNozzo. You deserve a special movie."

"Yes, I'm so picking Urban Legends: Final Cut!" he cried triumphantly.

Cameron smirked and went to the DVD player, putting a movie in so that Tony couldn't see it. Ziva pressed play, and the menu came on screen. Tony read it, and groaned in misery. Cameron had one of her favourites, High School Musical, which she had picked up from the video store after learning neither Abby nor Ziva had seen it.

"Oh, I'm going to die a slow, slow, painful death tonight," Tony moaned, as the movie started.

Cameron laughed and settled back with her friends to watch the movie.