Triumph

A.N. I don't like to get too personal in these things, but I'm going through a rough patch at the moment and writing this story brings me so much joy. The fluff has come at the right time!

Edit 17/10 I think the website is shuddering to a halt because things are malfunctioning on the upload end, there hasn't been any stats for about a month (and I use this to guide my schedule), and now email notifications aren't going through. I might hold off uploading more on this site until it's fixed. A reminder that this story is cross-posted on archiveofourown, a chapter or so behind.


When the alarm blared Monday morning Cameron groggily stretched out a hand to silence it. But House's arm snaked across before she could even register quite what was happening.

His voice sounded in her ear: "guess I should wash first. Takes me the longest".

"Huh?", she croaked. Mondays were tough anyway, but especially since they had spent much of the weekend screwing instead of sleeping.

"Shower". He kissed her bare shoulder, grabbed his cane hanging nearby, and rolled out of bed.

"Why are you awake?", she managed, brushing hair out of her eyes to look at him.

"Work. We discussed this yesterday, remember? After Sunday morning sex?".

"Yeah, but…just assumed you'd go in later".

"Why?". House turned back from the doorway.

"It's pretty early, is all".

"Ah, s'fine. First day vibes". He swished his hand and disappeared down the corridor.

Cameron yawned before plumping up her pillow. Having spent four months on the couch, it had been a wonderful return to an actual bed. Those who'd got to learn of her prior sleeping situation had expressed shock that she had been so willing to put up with it. But her feelings for House had left her no choice. Nevertheless, at some point they would need to discuss living arrangements. Her nursing purpose was no longer required, so either she would move back to her own apartment, which had been slowly gathering dust, or she would make the leap and stay at Baker Street permanently. She knew herself, and in fact had told House on Friday, which option she preferred. But he'd have to ask her himself.

After a brief stretch, the immunologist threw her legs over the side, slipped into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, and wandered through to the kitchen. Breakfast on workdays consisted of a bowl of cereal, but this morning she rooted around in the fridge for some eggs, too, for House. Bread slices soon ended up in the toaster, and coffee in the pot. Normally they only ate together on weekends.

Having set about frying the eggs with a little butter, salt, and black pepper, she breathed in deeply. Her gambit last Friday night had paid off and unreserved happiness was the outcome. Not just happy for the resumption of her relationship with Gregory House, but happy also for his impending return to work. He still had a way to go with his rehab, and would start swimming in the next few days, but that itself was something they would be doing together. Actually, 'happy' was an understatement for how she felt; 'ecstatic' better captured it.

"Cameron, where's my blue shirt?", he called.

"I ironed a bunch Friday!", she replied as the toaster popped.

A few moments passed in silence and she got the impression he hadn't heard.

House duly ambled through. "What?".

She turned from the pan. "I said I, uh…ironed a few…". The words drifted off as she looked at him. House, hair wet and messy from his shower, blue eyes shimmering, was leaning against the doorframe wearing nothing except a pair of jeans and his belt. Her eyes slid from his stubble, to his lightly tanned torso, to his abs, following the trail of down from his navel to the waistband.

She swallowed.

Sometimes House made her drool, and now was one of those times.

"Err…what's up?".

Cameron turned off the heat and walked over to him.

Having not received a reply, he started talking anyway: "so, yeah, couldn't find my-".

Further words were prevented as she cupped his face in both hands and crushed her lips to his, barely giving him time to react as she pushed him against the doorframe. When she was sure that he wasn't going to move, still making out passionately, she ran her hands all over his shoulders, back, and chest, moaning into his mouth. For his part, he didn't really know where to put his own hands, so he just rested them on her hips and enjoyed tongue wrestling for the next forty-five seconds.

When they broke apart, he brushed a thumb against her cheek. "Why?".

She looked straight into his eyes. "You were just leaning there, looking like you do, and, well…".

"I wasn't trying to entice-, I mean, I only leaned as I didn't bring my cane".

This explanation, and what it implied, was partly why Cameron found him so attractive, and she couldn't help but beam widely at him. In her experience, guys—especially conventionally handsome guys like Chase and Sebastian Charles—knew when they looked good and played to it. There was nothing wrong with this, of course; human nature being what it was, most people did it. Herself included.

But, generally, House remained blind to his own appeal. He had come through to the kitchen shirtless simply because he couldn't find his shirt; leant against the doorframe simply because he needed support in lieu of his cane. Little of his behaviour, at least that which emerged under this roof, was targeted or manufactured. So in those instances where he took her breath away, he was genuinely surprised by her heightened reaction. And it was this almost innocent obliviousness, this contrast with his demeanour in a professional setting, where he could be confident to the point of arrogance, that flipped her switches. She lived for the moments House displayed boyish, confused charm just as much as for those where he dominated and prowled like a panther.

"What's funny about that?". He was puzzled again.

"Don't worry about it, Greg", she said, pecking his cheek a final time before returning to the kitchen area and buttering the toast. "I just find you really sexy".

House tugged an ear habitually. "Right, well…I didn't hear what you were saying about my shirt".

"I ironed it. Check the hook on the back of your bedroom door. Breakfast's ready". Cameron retrieved a spatula and manoeuvred fried eggs onto toast.

"There's a hook on my bedroom door?", he asked, leaving the room before waiting on her reply.

She smiled to herself as she poured out two coffees, taking these and his plate through to the living room. One more trip for her cereal.

House returned as she was munching a spoonful and browsing the news on her phone. "What're your timings? Was planning to just do the morning, rub it in Foreman's face, get my feet under the table, then head to rehab".

"Just a half-day, so can spend the morning in the ER then do clinic until you're ready to leave".

Having just noticed the eggs and toast he sank into the sofa, picking up the plate on the way down. "You're too good to me", he said with his mouth full.

"What can I say? I'm just a swell gal", she grunted, not bothering to look up from her reading.

"You are pretty swell", he agreed, as all the times she had helped him over these last few months flashed before his eyes. "The second explanation is that you actually like me".

The immunologist sat back and assumed a contemplative air: "which is it? Either I'm just a nice person and I do nice things for people, or I have an ulterior motive and I secretly want in your pants".

"I think…it's both".

"I think that's probably correct".

"You don't need to wait for me. We could make our own way back if you wanted, save you hanging about".

"It's no trouble". Even the first time around they had rarely travelled to and from the hospital together owing to the fact that they had tended to keep overnights to the weekends. In a small way, then, this was a rare opportunity for Cameron and she did not intend to waste it. Sure, she had driven him to rehab, but there was something just a little different about them heading to work as a couple. For her, at least, it symbolised a return to normality.

"Alright. Best hit the shower—don't wanna be late".

Cameron touched his forehead dramatically. "Are you…are you feeling sick?". In all the years she had known House, he had never once shown the slightest interest in punctuality.

"Oh, it's not what you think. I just have to be in position before Foreman arrives, and word on the street is he's an early starter".

"Ahhh, makes sense. Oki doki". Cameron gathered up her bowl and wandered towards the kitchen, House's pat on the butt as she sidled past drawing a giggle. Those sleep shorts she wore always got his motor running, but propriety had meant keeping his hands to himself while she was a nurse under his roof.

Times had changed. Already he was feeling pretty relaxed for the day ahead.


House pulled up to his spot and looked steadily out through the windshield at the 'House M.D.' sign. It had been a while since he had last parked here—he'd been the proud owner of two pain-free legs, for starters. On the flip side, of course, it was also after the split with Cameron, so things were not straightforwardly better, just different.

"You OK?". Cameron had seen him lost in thought and for a second she believed him to be experiencing pain.

"Mmm? Yeah…just thinking about my parking sign".

"Think about it a lot?", she asked, gathering up her bag from by her feet.

"When I'm not thinking about you".

Cameron couldn't prevent a wide smile from lighting up her face at that answer.

In fact, so visible was the switch in her expression that he laughed out loud. "You already know I think about you loads; told you a bunch of times".

"I just love hearing it", she shrugged. "I mean, I know it's hard for you to speak so openly about your feelings and stuff. So the times you do…I dunno, I just cherish them. Anyway, we should go in before Foreman-".

"-I think about you all the time, Camster: while we were together, after we broke up, and now. My thoughts about you were—are—my only constant".

"Your only constant besides Prescription Passion and Real Hospitals of Los Angeles", she pointed out.

"Well, sure", he nodded. "And my Gameboy".

"And your porn collection".

"And my guitar. But that still makes you, what, third choice? Not bad going, slugger".

Now it was Cameron's turn to laugh. They were still sitting in the car, people walking past on their way into the hospital.

"Your laugh makes me happy", he murmured, leaning over to stroke her cheek. "You definitely know that".

She relaxed into his hand and met his eyes. "So, if I like hearing you thinking about me, and you like hearing me laugh, then between us we should be able to devise a plan for eternal mutual satisfaction".

"Calling you my girlfriend again is satisfying enough".

The immunologist leant in now, too. "For as long as you keep thinking about me and making me laugh", she whispered, "I'll keep being your girlfriend".

"Deal".

The pair kissed softly, his fingers tangling in her ponytail. When they drew back, however, he noticed a tear. "Hey, when you start crying after I kiss you it really crushes my confidence".

Cameron sniffed, then smiled. "Not that. Just something I want to say before we go".

"Oh?". He raised his eyebrows.

She inclined fully towards him in the seat and took one of his hands in both of hers. "I'm really, really proud of you, House. You've worked so hard over these months to restore some semblance of life and routine. And now you're back where you belong".

"By your side", he nodded, bopping her nose with his free hand.

"Actually, I was referring to Princeton Plainsboro but, hey, your suggestion ain't so bad, neither".

"Well, like I told you before, couldn't have done it without you; you share a lot of the credit for my-, oh, come on".

Cameron was wiping her eyes furiously again.

"I swear, I can't say anything nice without setting you off", he mused, tone dubious. He handed her a tissue. "Maybe I should treat you like garbage instead?".

She grabbed it and blew her nose. "No, sorry, I'm fine now. Ah, crap, I've smudged my face. Hang on". Only now did she release his hand. A quick burrow into her bag saw her retrieve the relevant cosmetics and she spent a few moments touching up a couple of areas in the mirror. "How is it?", she asked eventually. "Can you tell I've been crying?".

"I'd screw you", he admitted. "Granted, the waterworks normally arrive after I do so".

"Right, come on", she laughed again. "We've been sitting here ages".

The two left the car and meandered towards the entrance. It was a sunny June day, not a cloud in the sky, and only the slightest breath of wind. The one thing House had always liked about the east coast was its distinct seasons. Though bitterly cold in the winter, spring and summer generally brought warmth, and this contrast served him well compared to, say, Japan and Egypt's monoclimates. He took a deep breath just before stepping over the threshold.

"I guess I'll see you at rehab later, hey?", asked Cameron, intending to peel off towards the ER.

But House seized her hand and led her to the elevators. "Just come up and see what it's looking like?".

"Fine".

They entered a deserted elevator and she punched for the fourth floor.

"If Foreman's already in place, you'll need to distract him for me".

"How?".

"Undo a button on your blouse or something. Give him a real 'come hither' look".

Cameron rolled her eyes. "Are you actually planning something? I thought you were just going to rearrange stuff and make it super obvious who's boss".

"I am. I'll probably need your help with it, though".

They reached their floor and set off down familiar hallways. It was a little strange for Cameron to be taking this route again, accompanied by House, her former boss. When they had signed the relationship agreement he had said that he was leaving space for the work situation, and in truth she was unsure what she wanted to do on that front. She had left Diagnostics only to create space between them following the split—and that, obviously, was no longer a problem. On the other hand, though, she felt as if progress had been made down in the ER. Could it be a long-term option to stay there? Would she want to be a fellow again? Was there even space for her up here? And, crucially, would her presence in his department distract House from his work?

These questions would need answering at some point. But there was no rush. The only thing that mattered to her had already happened.

"Phew. It's empty". House led the way into his office.

She glanced around. Though Foreman had not removed much, if anything, the various paraphernalia which used to be dotted around his desk was now clustered in the far corner. And the TV was nowhere to be seen. "Ah, forgot. We should've brought your red mug from-".

Before she could finish, he kissed her hard.

Cameron recovered quickly, both hands diving under his freshly-ironed blue shirt as she thrust her tongue into his mouth and revelled in his taste, smell, and feel. Her love for House was a genuine sensory experience, and not for the first time she briefly reflected on how, in their months apart, it had seemed as if she were sleepwalking through life, starved of his touch if not his presence. But now she had woken up.

"House", she breathed. The fact that they could kiss freely after months of self-denial ignited her excitement.

"I felt like marking the occasion of my glorious return".

"Mmm", she nodded. "The conquering Roman general gets to tour the city and be saluted by the adoring masses".

House now knew her long interest in ancient history, so this reference to the Roman triumphal procession didn't surprise him. "Are you the 'adoring masses' in this scenario?".

"Yes", she grinned, running her hands up his arms. "And I am very adoring. But there's one thing I've gotta say: remember, you are still mortal".

He shook his head. "God, you are such a nerd. What did I tell you about excessive reading? The Romans are dead and gone, y'know. Spend that time on TV".

"It's too late for me; in too deep. I've already decided you are basically Attila the Hun".

They had both reached the desk and sat on its surface, side by side.

"Oh, what? Why? I just said all those nice things to you about helping me through it and stuff".

That look of feigned, wounded disappointment appeared again. She remembered it well from Saturday night, when she had insisted that he did not have to blow her mind in bed every time. As happened a couple of days ago, her heart melted. "Not a Hun to me, obviously, but I was reading about Attila late at night one time after we ended and thought of you".

House made a show of stroking his chin. "Actually, upon reflection, I kinda like the comparison".

"Yeah? I could call you 'Hun' alongside 'babe', maybe?".

"Maybe. Though I've always thought of myself more like Romulus, founding my little kingdom here and spreading my culture to my citizens". Now he spread his arms wide, encompassing the department. "Granted, one of my citizens has migrated to a rival city".

"Pretty sure she'd come back home if you asked her…hun", she smiled, placing a hand on his knee. Despite her career musings on the walk here, they would likely not withstand a simple request from House.

Further talk was prevented, however, as the door opened, and they both looked to the new entrant.

"Welcome back, you guys", said Foreman, hiding his surprise at finding the office occupied.

"Ah, crap", sighed House as his prank idea went up in smoke. "I wasn't ready!".