House's War: Negotiating the Surrender

Author's note: Final chapter – takes place after "Act Your Age"

House walked into his office the next morning, knowing what he wanted and where to get it. The only thing that he didn't know was if it was available to him. He watched her walk around the office, making coffee and gathering his mail. Taking a deep breath, he walked into the conference room. "Dr. Cameron? I need to speak with you."

She nodded and followed him into the office. He motioned for her to sit down. Before he could start, Cuddy blew into the office. "Of all the things you've done House, this is the lowest. You are going to be in the clinic from now until the end of your life – maybe even after that. Oh – and I think your going to be doing a few guest lectures and oh then there's the grant your going to write."

Cameron watched the scene before her with wonder. In her mind, "What did he do this time?" Knowing this was going to be a while, she waved to House and exited.

"Damn it." He muttered. "What did you just say?" Cuddy asked – tapping her foot for emphases. "What did you think I'd do after you assigned me 'the plug' – you've known me to long not to expect it." Cuddy waited until he sat back down. "You're going to unlocked my computer right now. You're also going apologize to my assistant." House knew that nothing he said at this point was only going to make Cuddy's reaction worse.

After the humbled apology to what's his name, House sat in exam 2. He couldn't move very far, Cuddy had cuffed his leg to the exam table. She told him that nurses would be bringing him a ruben at noon. If he behaved, she would be back at 5:00 to unlock him. Patients stared at him, some giggled - as they tried to tell him their problems. A young boy kept tugging at the chain – bugging House to no end. Wilson walked by with a camera, claiming that he was going to put it in the staff newsletter.

At 5:01 pm, Cuddy entered the room. "You're late." She smiled and bent down to unchain his ankle. "You promise never to mess with my computer again?" House nodded, rushing out the door. He just hoped that he didn't miss Cameron. Rounding the corner, House watched as Chase left the locker room. He let out a sigh when he saw Cameron exit, carrying flowers. She stopped to shift her bag and she saw House. "Dr. House – do you still need to speak to me?"

House's eyes went back and forth between her eyes and the flowers in her hands. "It can wait, Chase is waiting for you." Cameron moved closer, trying to capture his eyes. She's searching for something and he couldn't hide it anymore. "I don't wait Chase – I broke it off."

His head began to spin, trying to process this new information. She lifted his chin, looking deeper into his eyes. House saw the eyes from his dream – gentle caring eyes attached to the woman sitting at his piano. Finding his voice, House spoke softly. "Would you have dinner with me?"

In the back of his mind, he heard the let down that he knew was coming. "I'd love too." He looked at her with awe. She took his arm, hooking her own in his. The nurses and doctors watched as the pair walked to the elevator – not sure what had just taken place. When the door closed – someone spoke up, "Taking bets – How long will it last." Many people smiled picking the lowest times, sure that they would get easy money.

The keeper of the board walked up to Dr Wilson. "Do you want in on the pool?" He looked at the person with interest. "It's on Dr.'s House and Cameron. He asked her to dinner and we're taking bets on how long it will last this time."

Wilson watched out a window as House helped Cameron to her car. He opened the door for her and then closed it when she was settled. He chuckled. The board keeper was patiently waiting for his answer. Wilson took out his wallet, pulling out the required amount. "What's the longest so far?"

"Three weeks, what do you know?" she looked at the board. "Put me down for 'to death do them part'. I believe this is the one."

Wilson walked to meet his next patient. "It's about time House." He said to no one in particular. Life at PPTH was going to get interesting rather quickly.