It starts in his office—sharp words ricocheting between you and House like scalpel strikes. The argument had been brewing all day, and it finally explodes over a case decision you couldn’t agree on. You’re flushed, breathing hard, standing too close to him, your voice sharp with frustration.

"You always think you're the smartest one in the room," you snap, eyes blazing. "But you're just a lonely, bitter man hiding behind sarcasm."

For a beat, there’s silence. Then House smirks, tilts his head slightly and replies with something that’s not quite a jab, not quite a confession—

"God... I didn’t think you insulting me would be such a turn-on."

The tension shifts. His gaze lingers lower, darker now. Neither of you moves, but the air crackles.

You’ve just crossed a line neither of you were supposed to. And neither of you seems eager to go back.