I do not own House. All characters are figments of my imagination. Feel free to leave a review.
"You didn't have to walk me to the door."
"Someone needs to keep you safe. What if a strange woman kidnaps you? Then Foreman is in charge, and I don't think he has what it takes to go up against Cuddy."
House turned to give her a hard stare. "I'm hurt." He slapped a hand over his heart. "So this is more for your interests than for mine?"
Cameron cocked her head to the side and gave him a sly smile. "Basically."
"Who's going to protect you?"
"I can take care of myself. Besides, I need to check on Steve."
"I knew you had a secret agenda." House reached into his pocket to retrieve the keys. Unlocking the door, he allowed Cameron in first. His eyes followed her to the cage as he reflected on the evening.
Still waters may run deep, but Allison Cameron was an abyss. She not only found the best pub in town, with the best steaks, and a killer jazz band, but she had an extensive knowledge of music. How could he have worked beside her for three years and not known that she adored George Benson and Charlie Parker?
House closed the door and headed toward the kitchen. He didn't want the night to end.
"Want some coffee?" he called out. Cameron stopped tapping on the cage.
"Come again?"
"Coffee. Want some?" House rummaged thru the cupboard. Where the hell had Wilson put the coffee? A couple of items fell to the ground as he tried to reach where he thought it would be. A can of soup landed on his foot, and a word was out before he could help it.
Cameron was beside him in an instant. Straightening up from retrieving the can, House noticed her blush.
"Dr. Cameron, I think you're turning red. Don't tell me my curse shocked you."
Taking the can from him, Cameron put it on the shelf and closed the cupboard. "I never heard someone use that word to describe pain. But you are unique." Her eyes locked with his. "In many ways."
House gripped her upper arm. "Which ways?" His voice was low.
Cameron's breath caught painfully in her chest as she tried to gather her thoughts. Silence was the only sound for the longest moment.
"I think I need to go."
House's hand dropped to his side. Quietly, Cameron walked back to the living room and gathered her medical bag. Checking for her keys, she took one last glance at Steve.
"I'll be in early to run these tests. With any luck we'll find out what's wrong and have you back up to par so Dad will quit worrying."
House let out a big snort. "DAD?! The rat's screwed up enough having me for an owner, and you want to label me as a parental figure? Thanks."
Cameron moved to the door. "I meant that as an honour." She turned the handle. "See you tomorrow." She crossed the threshold.
"Cameron. Wait."
She turned around and looked at him.
"Tomorrow, lunch is on me."
"See you later House." Cameron gave a small smile and closed the door.
House could not have known how close Cameron had come to hyperventilating before she found the strength to walk to the car. Nor did he see the way her hand shook as she inserted the key and started the engine.
But Cameron didn't see the lone figure watching from behind the blinds as she drove off.
The same lone figure who continued to watch long after her car disappeared into the darkness.
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House ducked out of clinic duty the next day. There would be hell to pay, but since his vicodin prescription was running low and wasn't due a refill for another week, he figured dealing with Cuddy was safer. Besides, how could he deal with patients when he didn't know what was wrong with Steve? And his crossword puzzle was in dire need of much needed attention.
If only he could concentrate.
Tossing aside the book, House started to dial the lab. A moment later he hung up the receiver. To hell with it, he was going to the lab and find out what was taking so long. Grabbing his cane, he started out the door only to run into Cameron. Instinctively, he reached out to steady her.
"You should honk first to let someone know you're coming."
Breathless, Cameron held his gaze until his blue eyes caused her to look away first.
"I take it you have the results?"
Cameron smiled. "Yes. The good news is that we can rule out all the dangerous diseases."
"So what is the bad news?"
"What makes you think it's bad news?"
"Because if it was good, you would have started with what was ailing him instead of telling me what it isn't."
"He has tapeworms."
"And?"
"Well, it isn't fatal. He will need systemic antibiotics. We caught it early, and the survival rate is very good. Anyway, I can start him on the medicine, and as long as you watch him, he should fully recover. I mean, he lives with a doctor." Cameron walked over to the desk and started to write a prescription.
"I want you."
Cameron spun around to find House a mere 5 feet away. "Excuse me?"
"Let me rephrase that statement: I want you to take care of Steve."
"I'm not a veterinarian."
"No, you're an immunologist with an extensive knowledge of medicine and rats. Can you think of anyone more qualified?"
Cameron tried to laugh it off. "You couldn't afford me; I charge too much."
"I'm buying lunch."
"Oh my fees include more than lunch."
"Really?" House moved in, his eyes locking with hers. Cameron backed up and collided with the desk. House moved closer. Cameron gripped the desktop with one hand while her other hand used the file folder as a shield.
House's eyes sparkled with mischief and something else. "Name your price."
Cameron couldn't think. "I-I-" Just at that moment her beeper went off. House stepped back while she checked the screen.
"I have to go. Needed down in the lab." Cameron handed him the folder and the script. It was all she could do not to run from the room.
No promise to catch him later.
House opened the folder and perused the file. Everything Cameron said was verified by the lab report. He let out a sigh of gratitude. Steve was going to live.
Laying the folder down, House sat on the corner and ran a hand over his face. He knew just how to convince Allison Cameron to take care of Steve.
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The day was over.
Cameron started packing her laptop and gathering her briefcase. A breakthrough for a deadly disease causing bacteria had been discovered, and she had had the opportunity of delivering good news to a distressed family. It had done her heart good to know that within a few days a little girl was going home to her family in good health.
Now all Cameron wanted to do was go home, take a long hot shower, drink a glass of wine, and slip on a pair of bunny slippers.
Cameron laughed to herself and amended her last thought. No bunny slippers in Allison Cameron's closet, but she did have a good pair of wool socks. Then again, after a day like today, maybe she did owe herself a present.
Picking up the backpack, her stomach suddenly growled and Cameron checked her watch. Six o'clock. The bunny slippers would have to wait.
Briskly she walked to the elevator and pushed the down button.
Suddenly the doors opened and a familiar voice brought her around. "Leaving already?"
Inwardly she groaned. House. "It's six. I had a medical breakthrough. Why are YOU still here? Are you hiding from Cuddy?"
"I heard about the kid. Good job."
"Thanks."
"But your day isn't finished; you have one more patient."
"House, I'll locate a good veterinarian and give him Steve's file. I can't take care of your rat."
The doors started to close. House pushed them back and pressed the button. "Are you coming in?"
"No. I mean yes. I'll wait for the next one."
"Doctor Cameron get on the lift. That is an order."
Cameron stepped forward. House pushed a button. Silence invaded the small space.
"If you don't want to care for Steve, I understand, but you do need to fulfill your obligation. I offered to buy you lunch and you ran out on me."
"I didn't run; I had an emergency."
"Okay. Emergency over and done. Have dinner with me."
Cameron stepped back. "No."
"I know I said lunch, but it's too late--well, unless we were in Hawai'i--anyway, you haven't eaten and I owe you."
Cameron sighed. This is a bad idea, she thought to herself. "Okay. I'll follow you to your place and we take my car."
"See you in one hour." House exited the elevator with Cameron following closely behind.