It's not often that I find a story so well-written, but here it is! I thought your characterization was perfect. Absolutely enjoyed it. Brennan sure isn't what I would have named the kid, but I suppose he doesn't, despite everything, play all that big of a role? Thanks for the story!

That was such a Housian expression of love. Perfect. :)

I really enjoyed House's conversations with Wilson, Chase, and Cuddy. I'm getting annoyed with Cameron, even though I know she absolutely has a point.

Such great payoff after 43 chapters of tense build-up. That kiss was exactly what it should be. The angst continues ...

“Vicodin flavored lotion is the rage.” Loved that.

This chapter fit perfectly in with your excruciatingly slow pace. Calling the pace excruciatingly slow is not a criticism, btw. I think it shows the complexity of their relationship and all the hurdles they have had and will have to overcome.

Cameron, you're driving me nuts!

This was a wonderful House/Cuddy exchange:

“She doesn’t want me.”

“When did that ever stop you?”

With a slight tilt of his head, House grabs his cane and stands. “No one knows about this,” he motions the cane between them, “almost friendly conversation.”

“Not even I want to know about this.”

I liked this chapter; not a hump chapter at all. Their back-and-forth is great ... and frustrating. This was a great line: "I know. I heard it on the wind, I heard it in the walls, I heard it from the stethoscope. Plus Taub came in and told me."

Way to go, Chase! O, I like it.

Loved the image of House lying on his floor. It made me think of him lying on the picnic table in the park. I'm afraid that Cameron is leaving PPTH!

I like Chase too (but not with Cameron, like you said), so I'm glad he's in this story. And your characterization of him is good.

"That’s when he knows with a hundred percent certainty that House cares."

Very nice.

This was a heart-wrenching chapter. Poor Cameron. I loved the "candy stripper" part; it showed a nice, quiet intimacy between them.

I'm holding out for a happy ending.

I don't know. I still have to think the kid is House's. There's so much he still doesn't remember. He and Cameron may have done the deed.

Sebastian Charles? Gr. Hopefully House will show him a thing or two.

O, she'd been eating lunch with him everyday. Interesting ...

This is beyond fabulously written and is amazing and I love it; but, if you have to subtitle your writing with author's notes at the end summarizing what just happened you either:

A. Need to write more clearly during the chapters when the writing and events are supposed to be clear and understood (leaving the jumbled post-coma experiences jumbled, cause that rocked and was purposefully done). Obviously these events in this chapter were supposed to be clearer, in your eyes as well. Perhaps writing it that way would improve your work.

OR

B. Assume your readers are brilliant and can figure it out.

Or

C. Assume they are not brilliant and psychic and write more clearly (only in certain places).

Oh wait. C and A are nearly the same! ;)

I respect and admire your work. But maybe this one suggestion is the only push you need. I don't mean it disrespectfully. But if you need to explain, even you are noticing you could improve. Do so, and you will be sublime. Keep it up. ;) L