The Little Things

Chapter 5

Foreman was the first to break the silence and said, "Sorry to interrupt but we're back to discuss the patient."

"Oh, yeah; no problem," House said as he started to pull away from me. Before pulling away too far, he leaned back in and gave me the most gentle kiss I had ever experienced and then he turned and walked over to the white board. I was in shock but instead of acting shocked I tried to act like it was nothing new. I walked over and took a seat at the conference table.

Foreman took a seat as well but Chase just stood there still with his mouth agape. House just acted as though he didn't notice him and talked to Foreman and me as we elaborated on our differential diagnosis with the new information that Chase and Foreman brought from the patient. The patient had developed a new symptom which completely changed the focus of our diagnosis.

As soon as House divvied up the chores, I looked at my watch and realized the tests that I had been running in the lab should definitely be done by now. Chase and Foreman left the room and I stood up to head out towards the lab. As I walked by House he reached out and grabbed my arm to stop me. I looked up to him and smiled. He smiled in return.

"There now, he shouldn't be bothering you anymore."

"Why do you think that House?" I was just curious as to what he was thinking.

"Well, if he thinks we're involved in some manner I think he'll leave you alone. One: I'm his boss and if he was trying to come on to someone he thinks I'm involved with you'd think he'd expect to get some retaliation and Two: he's afraid of me."

"Thanks! I appreciate the help," I said then leaning in, I placed a soft kiss on his cheek; at that I noticed he closed his eyes and it almost seems like he held his breath. I pulled away and turned to walk out the door.

Before I was completely out of the door I heard, "Any time, and I mean it, any time!"

I turned my head to look back at him while I walked away and all he did was wink at me. I winked back and left to the lab to finish my tests; butterflies still flying around in my stomach. That was an amazing day. I wanted more than anything to turn and talk to him about if he felt anything during the kiss or otherwise but I just let it go. I may have done just that when I first came to PPTH but I've changed and I know House. I'll let it drop but one day I'm sure it will resurface.