From Chapter One

"You really are in bad shape. Let's get you to bed."

"Yes mother."

"Don't argue with me House. You know it is for the best. I'll be here when you

wake-up."

Cameron got House to bed and settled down to watch some television while he slept.

Fortunately for House, and Cameron too, House slept through the night avoiding more of the withdrawal symptoms. House couldn't have dealt with them physically, as demonstrated by the fact that he cut himself the previous day. Cameron would not have been able to handle seeing someone she loved in so much pain very well either.

Helping House through withdrawal makes treating our patients look easy! Then again I am not in love with our patients. Damn feelings.

At ten that morning House stumbled into the living room where Cameron was sitting drinking a cup of coffee.

"Making yourself right at home I see? At least there is coffee made."

"Sit down. I will pour you a cup, I know how you take it."

House just nodded and sat down, too exhausted to say anything else.

Fifteen minutes later and properly caffeinated House had the energy to talk to Cameron, with a motive of course.

I need to know if she meant it when she admitted to loving me. Now I have to proceed cautiously, anything to sudden and she will think it is the withdrawal talking and send me back to bed.

"Cameron, what did we talk about last night? I didn't reveal any embarrassing secrets did I?"

"No, you didn't reveal any embarrassing secrets." Cameron said this with downcast eyes.

Wish the same could be said for me.

"Good. Now it looks like it can't be said the same for you though. What did you say? That you love me?"

Damn him! He has been manipulating this entire conversation!

"Damn you House! You remember exactly what I said! You just want me to say it again to boost your already monstrous ego."

"What ego? I cut myself yesterday, remember? Does that indicate an inflated ego? They really screwed you over during your psych rotation didn't they?"

"Just shut up House."

"What? Have I finally reached your boiling point? It only took three years!"

"Yes, yes you have. You know I love you, for reasons even I don't understand, and you manipulate me using that knowledge. That is low, even for you."

"I have been manipulating you for three years, what makes this any different?"

"Because you did this after I told you I love you, so there is no chance you didn't know it. I can't tell myself, 'Well, maybe he doesn't know,' this time."

Shit. I screwed up this time. I think I may have actually gone too far. Everyone has a breaking point and I think I may have pushed Cameron passed hers.

"Cameron, I don't make a habit of doing this so listen closely. I am sorry. You came over here when no one else did, not Wilson or Cuddy, it was you. And I was an ass to you."

"Yeah you were."

"Shut up and listen."

Cameron nodded in compliance.

"I was an ass because you caught me with my pants down, metaphorically of course. It is hell to have the world see me limp down the halls at the hospital everyday but to have an attractive woman see you so messed up is ten times worse, even if the messiness does not seem to drive her away."

"Can I talk now?"

"Yes."

"Alright, good. That is the explanation I have been wanting. Not a 'Had a hooker over last night,' quip like you have given me so many times. That was real."

"Don't get used to it."

"Why not?"

"Well, that was your once in a life time opportunity."

"What if I want others?"

"Maybe we can make up some sort of arrangement. A quid pro quo of sorts."