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Post by Lisa Cuddy on Feb 27, 2007 0:14:55 GMT -5
(I'll be playing Cuddy and Cameron for this one! And maybe... someone else. If there's need. Haha. Hawky'll be House and Chase. ^^)
The water was hot against her skin as she stepped into the shower, pulling the glass door closed behind her. She let the thick steam billow around her as she stood under the cascade, letting her body grow accustomed to the sudden exposure to heat before moving to grab her loofa. Her skin was alive with electric responses. Each drop of water stimulated a spark against her body that caused her to shudder. Her anticipation towards the night ahead was projecting itself into her very being, and the stream of warm water falling around her, usually something she could relax with, did nothing but excite her.
She closed her eyes, letting her hands work instinctively with the soap and sponge to get a lather going.
How could this blind date be any different than all the others? Why should it be special? A pretty dress and a good attitude was not enough to create a soul mate in someone she had yet to meet. So why get so excited about it? True, you haven’t had a proper date in a while now, with House lurking everywhere, but so what? The guy tonight could be a jerk. You’ve had that date before. Though, there is the possibility of se…
The shampoo in her hair ran down her cheeks, threatening to sting her eyes if she continued to space out. Tilting her head back, she let the lightly perfumed shampoo rinse from her hair, an effective solution.
Lisa grinned. Shaking her head and, making sure the last of the shampoo was out of her hair and her body was cleansed of soap, she shut off the water and stepped into the bathroom, warm water dripping from her thick hair like rain trapped in the boughs of trees. She grabbed the nearby towels, wrapping one around her slender frame and the other into a makeshift turban around her head.
As she entered the bedroom she couldn’t help but bite her lip and giggle to herself. The dress was waiting patiently on her bed. She knew she would look stunning in it, which was why she had bought it earlier that day. She was simply passing the store when she saw it in her peripheral vision on a rack inside. The rest was fate. The right size. On sale. She had to have it.
She remembered thinking, as if trying in vain to dissuade herself, if I get that, where the hell would I wear it? The blind date had miraculously fallen into place after that.
Toweling off and slipping into panties and a black, strapless bra, Lisa picked up the dress and danced with it in a swirling step as she made her way to the mirror. Standing there, with the dress draping down in front of her and her hair still trapped in the messy wrap on her head, she felt beautiful. She knew it wasn’t because of the clothes. Something else made her feel beautiful, something she couldn’t name or recognized if it was described to her. Something private and secret, so much so that even she was oblivious to what it was. Maybe tonight she would figure it out.
Feeling lighter than she thought possible without the aid of some illegal substance, Lisa slipped into the deep red dress, unable to resist its call any longer. She still had to fix her hair and makeup, but she had to see what it looked like on her, in the comfort of her bedroom.
It fit her as if it had been sown around her frame. All the subtle, dangerous curves of her body were highlighted. It had a simple front, a low neckline that accentuated rather than insulted her large breasts, and thin straps over the shoulders. The back was far more intricate, the lace dancing in a criss-cross pattern down her back, exposing her skin from shoulder blades to the top of her tail bone. The skirt reached her ankles, with a sexy slit up the right side that touched her hip, leaving her soft, smooth legs cleverly displayed.
Pulling the towel from her head, she let the damp waves of her hair fall around her shoulders. Even without make-up and the hairstyle she had in mind she felt exotic. Her heart began to race at the thought of her blind date’s face when he met her at the restaurant. What a first impression that would be.
She pulled herself away from the mirror and swayed with euphorically unsure steps to the vanity. She didn’t know how she was going to do an acceptable job on her make up when she was shaking so badly. The safest thing to do was work on her hair until she relaxed a little. Pausing as she plugged in the hair drier, her breath caught in her throat. She thought she had heard a noise. Living alone, this kind of moment happened more often than her pride was ready to admit. She stayed completely still, fearing to breathe, for a full three minutes before allowing herself to turn on the hair drier. It’s your nerves acting up, that’s all.
There’s no one downstairs.
Allison Cameron sighed, rubbing the back of neck gingerly. It felt as if she hadn't seen the inside of her home in years. Clinic duty had that affect, she was sure, on everyone. She had only been on call for a few hours, but she was exhausted, both mentally and physically. At least she wasn't alone in this misery, stiff and exhausted, and more than eager to get as far away from work as possible, but without any viable escape route.
Except, of course, for those who -did- have an escape route.
She was sitting in the break room, nursing a cup of lukewarm coffee, aware of the nervous energy that seemed to pulsate around the only other person in the room. Robert Chase seemed figety and uncomfortable, yet somehow eager. She had no idea what he was waiting for, so she decided to pry.
"When are you off, Chase?" She asked, almost coyly. There was another, secret question attached to that, if he weren't busy. A question that always seemed to hang over the pair when they were alone together, stressed or bored. She did her best to hide it this time, not wanting to distract him from whatever it was he was currently hiding with thoughts of fun.
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Post by Robert Chase on Feb 27, 2007 1:00:01 GMT -5
It was a glorious, simply devious ploy. One that House had absolutely no guilt over his victims ensnared in his ploy. Despite the warning of his best friend that this was a -bad- idea and he should most definitely stop and just leave Cuddy alone...House had no intention of doing so.
And why should he? Honestly, Cuddy should know better than to put out an add for a date. Sure, he knew that she was getting to the end of her rope when it came to looking for someone to father her child...but what kind of men did she really think she would attract by placing an add? Boring ones. Stupid ones. Ones who would not be worthy enough, mentally, to keep up with her, let alone fight back and banter. And really, he was only doing her a favor, really. At least this way she wouldn't end up with someone she could even be remotely -tempted- to sleep and have a relationship with.
Instead, House had fixed it so the man who would be taking her out that night, the man whom Cuddy was so excited to see...would be none other than Robert Chase. Screw up extraordinaire and voted, by House himself, as the one -least- likely for anyone to fall in love with. When it came right down to it, if even -Cameron- didn't care about him enough to pounce him when he was high...then that had to mean something.
And for once House was actually not -trying- to be -particularly- mean. At least, not to Chase. Hell, Cuddy was so far out of his league that there is no way he could manage to end up with anyone half that sexy or intelligent. No, he considered this as doing the blond a favor. The one who was supposed to end up suffering here was Cuddy. Teach her what she gets for filling out a personals add like...like a commoner.
The only slight problem with his plan was that House couldn't wait to see results. No, he wanted to see how it was going, and he wanted to know -now-, before the date. So it was he found himself at Cuddy's house, knocking on her door, waiting impatiently for her to appear. Some part of his mind hoped she was smart enough not to get too excited about this. Not because he would feel bad about dashing her hopes, of course, but just because...well, it would show she was expecting to meet someone -good- this way. Which was just plain crazy.
Feeling justified, House leaned heavily on his cane, excuse on his mind and smirk on his face, as he waited for her to answer her door.
*****
Chase was nervous. And with good reason. He was about to leave work to get ready for a date. Now, that might be enough to make your average person nervous, but that was not actually why -he- was nervous. No, -he- was nervous because this was a date that his boss had set him up on. This was a date that -House- had recommended. Which meant there just -had- to be some kind of terrible joke waiting for him.
The Australian had spent the last hours of his shift, nervously thinking of what they could possibly be. In the end he came to the conclusion that even if it -was- some kind of large, scary, homosexual dressed as a woman who would hurt him if he didn't put out...Then that would -still- be better than facing House, letting the other man know he had chickened out because he was too -scared-. It was something that House seemed to have been particularly hard on him about recently. Yes, Chase was more than well aware that he was more of a chicken than he should apparently be, but that did not mean he wanted to take any more crap from House about it.
In the long run, it just seemed easier to give in. Which, actually, when looking at it differently, -was- the cowards way out, but...whatever. There -was- always the possibility that the date might -actually- end up being a woman in which case, Chase would probably have a better time than sitting at home anyway.
Although when Cameron spoke up as he was grabbing his jacket, getting ready to leave, Chase couldn't help but wonder if she might have wanted to do something if he had been staying. He certainly wouldn't mind blowing off the date if it meant he could have one with Cameron instead...But, no. Cameron was interested in -House- and even after they had had sex...she still didn't really seem to like him much. If anything she poked fun at him more than she had before, which had been not at all.
So instead he gave a slight smile to her, allowing a bit of the nervous energy to show through. He did not feel at all guilty as he said, "Hot date. Well, hopefully anyway, we'll see. What about you?" he asked with a sympathetic look, "More clinic duty?"
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Post by Lisa Cuddy on Feb 27, 2007 1:17:54 GMT -5
Cuddy pulled the door open, exasperated at having recognized her visitor through the peephole. She was just on her way out, looking extraordinary in her dress, even covered as it was by her coat. The instinct to run a hand through her luxurious hair was checked, expressing her disdain for having House pay so badly timed a visit through that physical action just not worth the trouble of messing up the look she had so pain-stakingly accomplished.
She settled for fixing House a beautifully dangerous, intoxicatingly furious glare.
"What could you possibly need, House?" She asked, not bothering to say hello or play around with niceties. As far as she was concerned, House no longer deserved to be treated with civility: he was a pain in the ass, "Or did your 'Cuddy's on a date' sense tingle and you just had to limp on over here to ruin it?"
She also did not bother trying to hide the fact that she was leaving for a date. She shut the door, stepping onto the doorstep with House and turning her back to him, locking the door securely. She took a moment to look at him, sizing him up, wondering if he was worth the risk of being late, and then moved down the walkway, her decision obvious in the way her hips swayed carelessly. She waved a hand over her shoulder, not looking back as she made her way to her car, which was waiting for her patiently in the driveway.
"I'm busy right now."
Cameron sighed, almost instantly jealous as the words 'hot' and 'date' rang in succession in Chase's handsome accent. It wasn't that she was upset that Chase, himself, was on a date, or because the woman in question was not herself, but rather that he was probably going to end up having a real bit of fun, while she was stuck in the clinic, getting coughed on.
She was jealous of the idea of being on a date, out on the town, enjoying the night: not the parties involved.
"Yeah, clinic duty. Since no one else is staying in tonight," she added, for extra potency, "I've got to pull an extra shift. Not even Cuddy is in tonight. I guess she's out, too. Having a grand old time, I bet."
She sighed.
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Post by Robert Chase on Feb 27, 2007 1:35:44 GMT -5
Although, naturally, House had known she would be getting ready for her date, to say that he was really -expecting- what he saw...would have been an outright lie. How can one possibly expect the vision that Cuddy was in that dress, her smooth curves just begging to have hands run over them? Certainly House could not be expected to resist a bit of ogling. Which is exactly what he was doing the entire time she locked the door, his excuse having temporarily flown from his mind.
But then she was walking away, her hips swaying tantalizingly in front of him as she headed down the walkway. The fact that she was actually walking -away- from him processed after only a few moments and he quickly hobbled to keep up with her, smirk attaching itself back to his face. For a moment there, just a moment, he had forgotten himself and almost felt -jealous- of Cuddy's date. Until, of course, he remembered -who- Cuddy's date was.
Oh yes, this -was- going to be funny.
"Yes I see that, but don't you think you're a bit dressed up to head on down to that club to dance around a pole for the next few hours. Hey, I understand if you need extra cash, but just so you know...you really could give private performances and earn a lot more." Allowing a moment for the dig at her being a stripper of some kind to sink in, House then continued. "I'm actually here about a patient, you know, doctor stuff. He might need a lumbar puncture. And since you're always so good about riding my ass, I figured I should check with you first." House smirked at his own lame excuse, knowing Cuddy would know it was lame.
The truth? He didn't even -have- a patient.
*****
Hesitating, Chase felt instinctively sorry for her. Cameron was a sweet, young, beautiful woman and it really did seem just wrong that she would be stuck in here by herself all night. But then, Chase only had to remind himself of her last cracked comment about his father...or his mother...distinctly, the one with the autistic child about how, if only he was retarded, maybe then his parents would have actually given a shit about him...and he pushed the sympathy away. She would have been perfectly happy to be here if only -House- was here too, I'm sure.
Shaking his head Chase then shrugged, "Maybe you can rope Foreman into pulling time with you, since you know, you guys are so buddy-buddy now." Even though he forced himself to keep the tone light, there was a touch of jealousy there. Not because he was jealous of their time together, exactly, and certainly not because he thought they were romantically involved. But just the natural jealousy that came with knowing your two co-workers much preferred time with each other than with him.
Glancing at the time on his watch, Chase sighed to himself. If he didn't hurry he was going to be late. Still, he couldn't quite bring himself to leave Cameron. He did, after all, bring everything he needed with him to work, just in case things ran over. "Or, you could just...leave. Not like House would have room to complain..." he advised her, although he naturally didn't like the idea of her going about with others...
A feeling he very quickly pushed back down again.
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Post by Lisa Cuddy on Feb 27, 2007 2:05:20 GMT -5
Cuddy stopped at the door to her car, turning around and leaning on the vehicle while House insinuated she was a stripper. She sighed, tilting her head at him. The smile on her face was one of confidence and exotic playfulness. House wasn’t going to get to her today. She intended on enjoying herself tonight, a pledge she had made to herself earlier that day. From the moment she left her house she would be dedicated to enjoying herself. She was now twenty feet away from the front door.
So she let House poke his fun, an eyebrow arched sensually as he spoke, her expression bored and disinterested.
“Private Performances, huh? Is that the real reason you’re here?” She pushed away from the car, stepping closer to him and reaching with a dainty hand to play with the lapel of his jacket. She looked up at him, something she privately enjoyed doing. His eyes were, undeniably, entrancing, and the height difference made looking into them something of a fun challenge. Add to that the fact that she rarely had the opportunity to look into them without it being an angry glare, how could she not enjoy herself?
She smiled at him, “Did you bring a chart?” she looked him over, frowning in disappointment, “You didn’t. I guess I can’t make a ruling on this. Do what you think is right, and get yourself back to the hospital.” She moved away from him, opening the car door and getting into the front seat, looking back at him before closing the door.
“Try not to be too jealous.”
Cameron frowned, watching Chase keenly. She noted the way he looked at his watch, and the hesitance in his eyes. She realized in that moment that she could very easily keep him there with her, if she chose her words carefully and made the right face. For half a moment she considered the process, ran a line through her head, then shook away the entire idea.
Just because she had to be trapped in this hell hole, doing the job she at one time imagined would be fun and exciting, didn’t mean she had to drag others down with her. After all, if she wanted, she could get her own date and go out when everyone else had a late night ahead of them.
It would be a sweet sort of passive-aggressive revenge.
“No. I went to med-school for a reason. This is just part of the job, and I have to get it done. I can’t start acting like House, just to get back at him for putting his work on me. I’m sure he’ll be back… eventually… you go and enjoy your hot date, and don’t worry about me. I’ll be… fine.”
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Post by Robert Chase on Feb 27, 2007 2:36:45 GMT -5
One of the things that House had always enjoyed about having this sort of conversation with Cuddy...is she seemed to know exactly where he was coming from. Unlike some certain other person who worked under him, she could actually tell when he was just making sexual comments for the hell of it. And even better, instead of blushing and trying to be coy she stepped up and taunted him right back. Which was really the whole point of it anyway, at least, with Cuddy. Because when she did taunt back, that made it all the more enjoyable.
Instead of replying to her, House just stared back down into her dark eyes. It was one of the most intoxicating things about her, and that was saying quite a lot. True, when she did have that nasty look in her eye, he did honestly try to avoid her. But when it was he who did the teasing...he who had the upper hand (even if she didn't know it yet), then he could easily stare right back down into her dark eyes, allowing himself to enjoy the view. Just as she knew he was.
"So when I actually ask for your approval, you'll give me complete free reign to do whatever I like. Interesting, and good to know." House replied to her, leaning against her car so she wouldn't be able to leave yet. "And just pray tell where -are- you going on such an evening as tonight...?" House asked her as he smirked. He was smirking -that- smirk, and he knew it. The smirk that told her he was definitely up to something. The fun now was that she wouldn't know -what- that something was until it was too late.
And he would be sure to be no where around at that point. No, he'd deal with the wreckage the next day, sliding in harmlessly after the fact to poke fun as ever.
*****
Despite her words, Chase still felt vaguely guilty about leaving her there. Especially when he was walking into the unknown. "Right, I guess that's true." He told her instead, grabbing his bag which held his clothes and throwing it over his shoulder. Heading for the door, his hand was on the knob before he glanced back at her with a slight smile. "Tell you what, though...tomorrow, I'll come in...and I'll bring the bagels. See you then."
Having stated that, Chase was out the door. After all, even though he still felt a sort of impending doom...anything had to be more interesting than working the clinic, even if it might have been with Cameron. Feeling rather reassured by that fact, Chase picked up the pace, not bothering to stop and flirt with random nurses on his way toward the larger of the employee bathrooms. He was now on something of a mission.
As stupid as it felt to change clothes in the bathroom, Chase knew it was better than being late or trying to do it in the car. Thankfully his clothes were still neat and clean when he pulled them out. House had arranged for them to meet at a nice restaurant so Chase had decided to dress accordingly, picking out a shirt almost the exact color of his eyes. Just because he didn't feel like wearing a tie, unsure of how his date would dress, Chase just went with the shirt alone and some snug slacks and a belt.
Glancing in the mirror he ran his hand through his hair, pleased when it fell perfectly. It was something of a natural gift. Looking himself over, he had to admit he looked like he had stepped off the cover of some clothing magazine. But he knew he looked good and that's what really mattered, regardless of who his date ended up being.
Stuffing his work clothes carelessly back into his bag, Chase was out the door of the bathroom and walking swiftly back done the hall within a matter of only a few minutes.
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Post by Lisa Cuddy on Feb 27, 2007 14:57:15 GMT -5
Cuddy watched him, her smile fading as she recognized the look on his face. It put her ill at ease, simply because every other time she had seen him grin like that things had turned out, at the very least, annoying for her. He was plotting something, she could tell, but what was a mystery. Shifting in her seat. She had a strong desire to pull the car out of the driveway as fast as possible, leaving him with nothing to lean on and watching him fall. It would certainly teach him to think twice before acting around her.
Sighing, she decided it would be easier to play her own game rather than try to follow his rules. She smiled at him, sultry and secretive, “where do you think I’m going, Greg?” She asked, her tone deceptively innocent. Realizing she would not be able to leave until House let her, she got out of the car and went to lean beside him, making sure to have her arm lightly touching his.
She mimicked his pose, looking up at him with her own mischievous grin. House had the advantage of being completely devious and devastatingly intelligent, but he was also a man. And Lisa Cuddy was very aware that she had an advantage on her side that many men, particularly men of the name Gregory House, could not fight against.
“Or maybe the better question is: where do you want me to go?” She wondered for a moment just how much she could get away with, teasing him about their mutual, strange attraction, before she found herself unsettled. She figured quite far, as she had will power to boot, but there was no denying that House possessed a quality about him that she could not fight against, even on her best days.
And today, feeling the way she did, looking the way she did, was certainly one of her best days.
Cameron, an armful of charts she had yet to look over tucked under her arm, left the break room. It felt very much like someone stepping from the free world and into a jail yard, or what it must have been like for war captives to enter their prisoner camp. She sighed, the weight of the day’s duties heavy around her ankles, an invisible ball and chain. As if to emphasize this point for no real reason, she dragged her feet with every step. Subtly. Just enough for her to get the metaphor, and remember just how bitter she was about being here.
As if she would forget.
Her spirits lifted, almost gravity defying, when Chase emerged from the nearby bathroom. He had changed, remarkably fast, she noted, into a very becoming ensemble. Jealousy stirred in the pit of her stomach once again, but this variation was entirely new.
Why couldn’t he get this cleaned up for her? She knew the answer, of course. It was simple: because she didn’t ask him too.
Feeling vaguely guilty, she smiled jovially at him, catching his eye before she spoke in a musical tone, “Looking good, Doctor!”
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Post by Robert Chase on Mar 1, 2007 12:44:37 GMT -5
The response that he got from Cuddy was certainly not one that he had been expecting but he would be lying if he said it wasn't -better- than what he had been thinking she would do. Naturally he assumed she would be annoyed and worried about his smirk but shove it away, yell at him to get away from her car, and then drive off. But he supposed that today she was in a good mood so her reaction was...quite different.
House made a mental note to try and get Cuddy in a good mood more often, if this was the result.
Looking down into her eyes, House felt whatever snarky reply he had at the ready slowly slip away. She looked good...obviously she knew that. Her hair was freshly washed and hanging prettily around her, her dress fit her form perfectly, accentuating her voluptuous body...and her eyes were dark as she flirted lightly with him. She was toying with his natural attraction to her and he knew it...and he knew that -she- knew it as well.
Never one to back down, especially when with Cuddy, House stared down at her, very obviously looking her over once more before looking back into her eyes. Instead of smirking, House held his steady, intense expression as he spoke. "I should think...it's pretty obvious where I want you to go."
*****
Glancing around naturally as he walked, Chase came to an automatic stop when he saw Cameron. There was just something about her...something about seeing her, that put him in a much better mood. And, yes, more than just a little of that probably had to do with what she actually said to him. Which he normally would have taken as being snide or joking...but something in her expression and the way she said it...in addition to what he -wished-...made him think that she was actually being serious.
Facing her automatically, Chase smiled easily at her. Sure, he was fairly used to being told that he was good looking, he had heard it often enough throughout his life. Not that he was entirely sure why, he seemed fairly average to himself, but that was life...people had different tastes. But in spite of that, he found her words extremely flattering.
"Oh, uh, thanks." He said instead, running a hand quickly through his hair, aware that he was probably messing it up but unable to stop himself. "It all looks okay, nothing too wrinkled?" he asked her, having this odd innate feeling that she, just as a woman, would be able to spot wrinkles and fix them in a blink of an eye. At least, his mother had been like that before...well, she had been like that.
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Post by Lisa Cuddy on Mar 1, 2007 15:43:59 GMT -5
Cuddy’s smile faded as he looked her over. The way his eyes explored her body, she felt as if he could see right through her. Through her clothes, through her attitude: through every wall that seemed vital for her to keep up between them. She shivered, blinking slowly to disengage from his intense gaze, not entirely adverse to the way it made her feel. It was an undefined sensation; tingling and crawling, lascivious and perilous.
She drew in a steadying breath at his response, a smirk curling the corner of her lips. She shook her head, realizing the two of them could be trapped in this war of sensuality for a long time to come, and she would miss her blind date. She doubted using House as an excuse would be very compelling for a retry, particularly if she mentioned the game the two doctors had been playing.
Sighing, she turned towards him, the warmth of their closeness making her slightly more comfortable than she thought completely innocent, and looked up into his eyes once more.
The shudder was almost instantaneous, but she spoke without heeding it, “I think I have a good idea.” She said, shaking her head. She lifted a hand to play with lapel again, hesitated, then smiled dismissively and took a step back.
*****
She smiled at him warmly, nodding approvingly as she eased into an examination stride, a circle around him so she could absorb his outfit and pick out any inconsistencies or problems. She tilted her head at his backside as she stood behind him, slowing her walk for a moment too long as she used the time for a selfish glance. Smiling, she finished the circle and whistled through her teeth, something reminiscent of a cat call.
She liked the way he smiled at her, and the awkward way her mussed up his hair. In her opinion, it looked cuter messy, so she did not complain about it.
“It looks fine. Great, in fact. Very handsome. Your date will definitely approve,” she took a step towards him, straightening his shirt just for the excuse to touch him, to some how be involved with his evening, even for a fleeting instance, “I know I do.”
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Post by Robert Chase on Mar 1, 2007 16:36:43 GMT -5
Even as Cuddy turned away from him, it took House a moment longer to shake the haze of the very strong sexual tension from his mind. Of course this was just another game...another way to screw with Cuddy. Yes, except for the fact that it wasn't true. He wasn't just screwing with Cuddy becuase...she really -is- extremely attractive and he really did want to...
But you can't always get what you want.
Stepping a little back as well so he was no longer leaning on her car, he switched the weight to his cane. "Yeah, you probably do..." he said, almost offhandedly, still not back to his usual snarky self quite yet. Moving a hand to his pocket, he pulled out his ever-present bottle of Vicodin and popped one, eyes still fixed on her.
"You meet someone new? You know, most guys who answer newspaper adds turn out to be at least twenty years older than they say..." Having stated that he then continued, "So...what restaurant are you going to? You know, in case I get hungry and want to try some place new..." House asked her, feeling his usual mood return a bit more.
This time he really was just messing with her - he had no intention of following her, seeing as how he already knew who she was going to meet and he already knew she was going to have a terrible time. That and she would now know that -he- knew about her newspaper add...just in case there would be -any- doubt in her mind that it was all due to -him-, the moment she saw that her date was Chase.
*****
Shifting almost nervously as Cameron looked him over, Chase grinned as she whistled and told him that his date will approve. Though he really shouldn't have been surprised. If there was one thing that he and Cameron had it was definitely some form of mutual attraction. Or, at least, so Chase believed. After all, she certainly could have found someone -else- to be with when she was high if not...
But that time that they had together was probably not the best thing to think about now. Especially not when Cameron took a step closer, hands moving to his shirt as their eyes met. "Thanks...Good to know." He told her, seriously.
This closeness between them was new...but nice. Now, with things as they are, Chase wondered what Cameron would say if he were to ask her out. True, he had already tried that, and she had rejected him before he had gotten the words out...but maybe something was different now? Maybe the attraction could have changed something? Watching as a lock of her hair fell from behind her back to over her face, he automatically moved his hand to brush it back again.
Lost in his thoughts, it wasn't until -after- he had done it that he realized that was probably too intimate for her. After all, he had to remind himself, that she didn't like him. Sure, she might think he looked nice, but that was all there was between them. And he -really- had to remember that.
Tearing his eyes away and forcing himself to take a step back as she finished straightening his shirt, Chase hitched his bag over his shoulder again, having dropped it down to his side when Cameron had been checking out his clothing. "Well...I'm off. Take care...don't let the clinic idiots get you down. Don't work too late, and I'll see you tomorrow."
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Post by Lisa Cuddy on Mar 1, 2007 18:43:29 GMT -5
Cuddy watched him pop a pill. She was not a fan of playing witness to his addiction, as she often told him. The fact that he decided to take one here, in front of her, made her wonder if it was because he was in pain, or if it was a compulsory reaction to being uncomfortable. She had often times seen him taking vicodin when things began to get intense, in situations where he needed to be as sharp as possible, rather than simply pain free.
If there was one word that perfectly captured to essence of the moment between them, the air thick and almost palpable with the sexual tension that refused to let them go their own ways, it was ‘intense.’
And then, of course, he veered violently away from all things attractive and physical, careening from the dangerous connection between them and towards the regular aura of irritation he created for her whenever he was up to his devious tricks. She sighed at his questions, moving with resistant steps back towards the driver’s seat.
“You know, the fact that you found that add doesn’t paint you in a much better light than it does me for placing it,” she pointed out plainly, opening the door. A vague sense of foreboding added weight to her shoulders as she moved to take her seat, as if her body was telling her something less than spectacular was waiting for her at the restaurant. It was probably due to the fact that House was being so annoying about it. He must have done something to rig a bad night.
But she had gone through a lot to prepare, and she wasn’t going to waste that effort. Plus, she would not concede the night to him. If there was a chance to turn it around, to make it work for her and ruin House’s game, Cuddy would find it.
Cameron smiled at him, or more specifically, at how awkward he became when she got close. It made her blush, but in a prideful, almost possessive way. Unwarranted, sure, and unjustified, but she liked it and let it be.
The feeling of slight embarrassment changed completely before she had time to compensate as his hand brushed her hair back. She felt her nose and ears burning, almost pulling into a step back. She resisted the urge to run away, more than relieved when Chase took the first step back. She smoothed his shirt and let him go, smiling at him as if she weren’t currently engaged in an epic war with her conflicting emotions.
Chase wasn’t the kind of guy she could see herself falling in love with. That had to be true. She said it, to him, and to herself more often than not. He was fun to look at, amazing in bed, and a good comfort on those days when loneliness threatened to consume her. But he was a friend. A co-worker.
She frowned. Neither of those were very compelling arguments, and she knew it.
“Right. I’ll see you tomorrow…” she said, echoing his words and hearing how goofy she sounded as it reverberated in her mind. She cracked a grin, “I’ll probably still be here, when you get back. So don’t give me any crap about smelling bad.”
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Post by Robert Chase on Mar 1, 2007 20:08:36 GMT -5
Amused at her statement, House shook his head. "Actually, the reasoning behind mine is far better than yours. You...are probably looking for companionship...love, even. While -I- was just looking to make fun of the people. Snark beats emotion any day." House informed her, although whether that was -actually- true or not was really difficult to measure. Especially seeing as how the perfect snark is much easier to find than the perfect love.
But then, that was really starting to think about that a bit too much.
Still, he knew that they were spending too much time on this conversation. And now that the tension was gone, House knew it was time to let her go and meet up with Chase. Not that he particularly wanted to...true, it would be fun once she got back, but she'd probably be pissy at him a while now...But ah, what else was new.
"Have fun on your date, Cuddy. I hope you wore your little black panties. If things get that far, I'm sure it would be a total turn on for you to bring out the whip." House commented, -almost- hinting about who was waiting for her, what with the things with the dominatrix...but there was no way she would figure it out until she got there. Having finished, House took a few more steps away from her car, heading in the direction of his bike, but walking back wards so as to see her reaction to his words.
*****
Laughing lightly at her words, Chase shook his head. "I won't, I promise. Like I said, I'll bring food, yeah? At least that way you wouldn't starve yourself...or be forced to stay only on what passes for food here." Patting her once more, almost awkwardly, on the shoulder, Chase realized that now was actually the time that he was supposed to leave.
Tearing himself away, he turned and walked out. To his credit, he only turned and glanced back at her once before he was out the door. It was stupid and he knew it...but he had come to terms with the fact he liked her. He had always liked her, she was damn attractive...but now he had something of a crush on her, which had only intensified ten fold once they had slept together. So it was this that made him glance back to catch one more glimpse of her before he was out of the hospital.
Sighing, Chase forced those thoughts away and tried to get optimistic about his date again. True, he had a feeling it was some sort of trap and would not end well...but there was always the chance that it could. And he could always find someone else to pick up, talk to, flirt with...and so on. And who knew what could happen at the end of the night? Chase really had no social life to speak of so a little bit of fun was definitely something he was in the mood for. It had been far too long. But that was -really- way too premature. After all, he didn't even know this woman (hopefully it was a woman, anyway).
Making his way to his car, Chase glanced at his watch one more time, cursing lowly to himself when he saw the time. He really had to hurry now. Throwing his bag in his car and starting it, Chase decided that even if he was a little late, spending that extra time with Cameron...had been worth it. Driving faster than he probably should, the intensivist headed for the restaurant they were supposed to meet at.
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Post by Lisa Cuddy on Mar 1, 2007 20:38:06 GMT -5
Cuddy watched House back away, arching an eyebrow at him. She grinned, devilishly, and brushed her hair from her face nonchalantly. She was honestly amused by his behavior, albeit disoriented and slightly worried. It was a strange, almost masochistic reaction, but she liked the way his plots made her think a little bit harder, and the way his meddling stirred anger in the pit of her stomach. Harboring an anticipation to learn the meaning behind his visit to her home, and the allusions he consistently inserted into their conversation, Cuddy closed the door and rolled the window down, turning the key in the engine and backing the car into the street. She leaned out the window, looking at House as he made his way to his motorcycle.
“You know, if you’re so sure this date is going to go so badly, maybe you should just wait around? Who knows? I don’t want to have wasted these black panties of mine,” she fixed her eyes on him pointedly, raising an eyebrow as if to say ‘if you know what I mean’. Feeling like that was an exquisite end to this conversation, she rolled the window up and pulled away.
It took her a little bit longer than she would have liked to get to the restaurant and get the car parked. The delays, not to her surprise, allowed the nervousness she had been suppressing, the distraction House presented a perfect excuse not to focus on the evening ahead, to surface. She took a breath before going into the restaurant. Her fear and excitement radiating from her as she entered, and she was not oblivious to the heads of quite a few men as they turned towards her. She was led to the table that had been reserved, and was surprised to see no one waiting.
It seemed her date had something occupying his time. She sat down, thanking the waiter and ordering a glass of wine to keep herself occupied with. He went to fetch it, a lightness to his step, and she sighed. It wouldn’t surprise her if no date came at all. She could imagine House’s reaction when he found out, as he was likely to do. Even if she didn’t tell him, he probably had spies. Sighing, she began to debate how long she would wait before getting out of there, and how much dignity she would have left.
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Post by Robert Chase on Mar 1, 2007 21:06:22 GMT -5
Sighing as he pulled into the parking lot, late, Chase glanced at himself quickly in the rearview mirror to look himself over one more time, quickly. He looked...basically just as he always looked. The time with Cameron was nice and had temporarily boosted his ego. So, yes, he thought that he did look pretty good...not much different than usual, but..that was a good thing, right?
Shrugging to himself, Chase exited his car and locked it before walking to the enterance of the resturant. It was elegant, complete with red velvet carpet, well placed shrubbery...and steaks that were about fifty dollars each. Still, it wasn't as though he didn't have enough money for this...he had been saving up for a while, working double shifts at NICU and diagnostics...so he figured he could blow a bit of money...that is, if the date turned out to be going well. If not...eh, she could pay for her own food.
That decided, Chase took a deep breath before walking in the place, pausing the hold the door open for an elderly couple to walk in before him. They smiled, thanked him, and called him a 'nice young man'...which was vaguely disturbing, judging from the look the old woman was giving him. Unlike House, Chase was -not- turned on by older women with no teeth. Coughing a little, Chase gave her a half smile before slipping away, shaking his head.
Hopefully he was not supposed to meet someone that old. Although that would have made sense too...Shaking that thought away Chase made his way to the table they had reserved for the date...and stopped short with a sense of dread when he saw who was sitting there. Of course, the very -male- part of him couldn't help but notice that she looked amazing but...more than that, he was afraid of what that might mean. Hesitating for a moment, Chase walked slowly up to her, "Um...were you...supposed to...to...meet someone here?" he asked, nearly afraid of the answer.
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Post by Lisa Cuddy on Mar 1, 2007 22:03:05 GMT -5
At the voice, Cuddy looked up to find Doctor Robert Chase standing awkwardly nearby. She noted two things. One: It was very unusual to see him out of the hospital, and he cleaned up nicely. Two: she was suddenly very aware of House's plot, and everything that entailed.
Before answering, she very pointedly drained the last of her glass. Her waiter, who was quite attentive to her, reappeared to fill it, giving Chase a look of distaste.
Cuddy, shaking her head and speaking through a rueful laugh, "I am. Let me guess? You're answering a personal ad? Something someone you really shouldn't have trusted pointed out to you? Even set up without asking, maybe?" She laughed again, not meaning to sound cruel or imply that it was him that she was laughing at, but also in no hurry to clear that mystery up, "I'm going to get him."
She looked Chase over, thoughtfully. If this was House's idea of a prank, it wasn't a particularly distressing one. Sure, it was uncomfortable, because he worked for her and they very rarely talked, almost never outside of the hospital, but she had an innate ability to deal with uncomfortable. It was in her job description. As was diplomacy and rational thought. She tilted her head, then moved her leg and pushed out the chair opposite her for him, watching him keenly.
Why shouldn't they enjoy the night? If not as a date, than at least as friends.
"If you're not too terrified of me, please, join me? We might as well make use of this reservation, right? It might give us a chance to... I don't know. Talk? I honestly don't know all that much about you, and, as surprising as it may be to hear, I actually have more to me than angry yells and the administrative orders." She smiled welcomingly, beautifully, and her eyes reflected sincerity, "Unless you have something better to do? At the very least we can plan some pay back."
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