A.N.: Welcome to the story! This will be a continuance of "It Would Be You". If you haven't already read it I suggest you do. Not because I am promoting my own stuff, but because it is important to know what happened in their past to understand this story.

As always, I do not own.

"Stop it!" His hand as suddenly slapped away from the top button of his shirt by a much smaller hand.

House scowled down at Cuddy, "It is hot. Why can't I undo just one button? Who are you anyway? The clothing police? I am a grown ass man. If I want to undo the top button of my shirt I can." He complained. He had been complaining for weeks now, "Remind me again why you agreed to host Christmas here?" A big family Christmas. He wanted to gag. He was used to their intimate Christmas mornings with just the kids opening presents then later to be joined by Cuddy's parents and usually Wilson and Amber. This year they would all be coming over first thing in the morning. They would all be there for opening presents, and in addition, his parents would be there. He might have been able to deal with everything else, but he could not believe that Cuddy had went so far as to ruin Christmas by including his dad. Usually she was supportive of him avoiding his dad, but not this year. He wasn't sure what the hell had changed, but he was not happy about it.

Cuddy rolled her eyes at her husband, "I will turn the heater down a little if you are hot. You know that the first thing your dad will do is start in on 'proper dressing' if you don't look perfect. Which by the way," A wicked smile crawled across her lips and she grabbed him by his biceps pulling him up against her, "Have I mentioned that you look fantastic?" She pushed herself up on her tip toes and brushed her lips against his instigating a heated kiss. When the kiss broke he was wearing a smug smile, "And you know why we are having Christmas here." She let go of his arms and turned back to the mirror trying to put the finishing touches on her make up. She wasn't going to get into it with him again. They had been going back and forth about Christmas since the day she had agreed to it.

He moved behind her to wrap his arms around her and rest his chin down on her shoulder, "After that kiss I am more than just a little hot." He pressed one kiss to her neck then looked at their reflection in the mirror, "I really don't know why we are doing this, Cuddy." He told her in a sincere tone, "You are all worked up. I know you are worried about keeping him happy. You are worried about keeping the peace today. I mean look at you. Your shoulders are all tense. You look like you might have a break down at any moment, and you might as well be a nun in this dress." He had never seen this dress, but he could honestly say he hated it. It was plain grey, fell to her knees, and the collar rose almost completely up to her neck. Hell it didn't even hug her tight. It just hung there. This was not his wife. In eight years of marriage he had never once seen her so covered up, and while she did still look stunning she didn't look like herself. He didn't want his dad to have that sort of power over her. She should be able to wear whatever the hell she wanted. Why should it be different just because he was there? Sure he might make a comment about her looking like a prostitute, but House would throw him out in the blink of an eye if he dared to.

Cuddy took a deep breath and looked into his eyes reflected in the mirror, "Your mom was saying how she has never even seen our new place. House, we have lived here two whole years! I felt terrible. We never see her at Christmas. It's wrong." She felt guilty. Her parents always saw the kids. Blythe had not seen them in years. Gwen was already eleven. Soon she would be a teenager. And Evan was six years old. Blythe shouldn't miss all of that. If it meant that she had to deal with John House for a day, well then so be it, "I'm completely fine, and this is a nice dress." She protested glancing at her reflection in the mirror, knowing that it was a lie. she really was resembling more of a nun than she did of her own self, but John had always hated how she dressed. Wasn't it just easier to give in to his complaints than to fight them?

House didn't bother explaining when he pulled away from her. He went to the closet rifling through it until he came across what he was looking for. He pulled out a red dress that had always been one of his favorites. He carried it over to her and held it out for her to take, "I can live with letting you dress me up, but I refuse to go through this entire day with my wife's rocking body being hidden under a potato sack. I don't give a damn what he says. I love the way you dress. It is sexy and confident. It is you. So quit trying to ruin my Christmas by conforming to what he wants. Put this on, and I will promise to at least try to play nicely with others today."

She thought it over for a second before taking the dress from him. She laid it out on the bed then carefully extracted herself from the grey dress not wanting to mess up her hair. She could feel her husband's eyes on her as she stood there in nothing but her heels, black thong, and matching black push up bra. She rolled her eyes and flashed him a small smile, "You have five minutes of groping before I have to put this dress on." She laughed when he immediately moved in front of her, she knew he wouldn't have to be told twice. One of his hands grabbed her breast while the other massaged through the front of her panties. She moaned a little and bit her bottom lips, "I said grope not go for a quickie." She protested, but knew that it had no tone of authority behind it. She was enjoying it. Who the hell wouldn't?

"A quick quick quickie." He suggested as he placed a kiss on her neck, "Something to help me deal with this day." He further backed up his suggestion by moving the fabric aside so that his fingers could brush up inside her folds tickling her clit lightly.

She gasped and closed her eyes, "Fuck.. That's not fair!" She whispered more out of frustration over her lack of self control. She should have never given in to his pleading eyes, "Fine, make it quick and don't mess up my hair." She was already undoing his pants to free his manhood as she gave him permission. She smiled when she felt that it was already getting hard. She pulled him out of his boxers and stroked him roughly, "Someone is eager." She couldn't believe that they were doing this again. They had already had their early morning romp. Sometimes she wondered how they could possibly be adults. Their hormones were so much more akin to that of a teenager.

He took her by her shoulders and pressed her up against the wall, "Little Greg is always eager. You know that." To prove his point he batted her hand away, spread her legs with one hand still holding her panties aside, then thrusted himself up inside her. Both of them groaned upon his entry. He picked up one of her legs and held it up to hitch on his hip to allow him go deeper into her. He started a fast and rough pace moving in and out of her. He had promised to be quick, and he would not go back on something that he had promised her. The hand that had been holding her panties aside was now focusing on massaging her clit as he fucked her. He knew exactly what it took to get her off, and two minutes later he was proud as hell to have her climaxing with him following shortly after her. He pulled out of her and leaned down to kiss her shoulder gently, "See.. Quick quick." He told her breathlessly, "Didn't even smudge your make up."

Cuddy leaned against the wall with her eyes closed, her chest rising and falling quickly trying to catch her breath, "God, House... I love you." Even after all these years she was putty in his hands, and she knew it. They would fight like cats and dogs at work, but here at home this was where they really let themselves be. The passionate sex that would always be proof of their never ending attraction to each other. The support that proved their love and devotion. The kids that they had made together and were raising together. She had so much to be thankful for.

House moved back to her, gathering her body against his in an embrace. He stroked her lower back and kissed her neck gently, "I love you too." He admitted in a hushed whisper. No one else would probably never understand their intimacy after such a rushed round of intercourse, but it was very them. They took sex wherever they could get it. Even if it would only last a few minutes in her office or whatever place they happened to be it was still special to them. They had a fantastic sex life. They had a fantastic life period, and they appreciated it. When he pulled back she reached up and undid the top button of his shirt. He shot her questioning look wondering what had brought about her change of heart.

"You should be yourself too. If he doesn't like it he can get out." She was relaxed now. Content in who she was and who House was. If John didn't like it he could just deal. She flashed her husband a quick smile before going to the bathroom to clean herself up.

Ten minutes later she was fully ready in her red cap sleeve dress. It too fell down to her knees, but it hugged her body all the way down and exposed quite a bit of cleavage up top. House hugged her middle yet again as they both stood in front of their full length mirror, "Much better." He kissed her cheek in approval.

She had just turned her head to try and capture his lips, but the distinct sound of their screaming daughter stopped her. She immediately extracted herself from his grasp and ran out of the room. When she made it to the living room she found her eleven year old daughter running laps around the couch with her six year old son hot on her tail.

"GIVE IT BACK!" Evan yelled causing Cuddy to roll her eyes. She could have guessed that Gwen was the instigator of this little game. Gwen was a social child. She required attention from someone at all times. She was demanding and pushy. Evan was not. Evan was content to be alone reading or playing on the smaller piano his father had bought him to put in his room. He was still learning, but he was obviously talented. So much had been inherited from his father. His passion for music as well as his passion for knowledge. Gwen was intelligent to be sure, but she was also lazy. If something didn't spark her interest she was more apt to ignore it. Evan took in everything. He was a little sponge. She sometimes wondered how she managed to produce two equally talented and intelligent yet very different kids.

As the kids rounded the couch again Cuddy reached out and made a grab for the smaller one holding Evan tight to her, "What have I said about running in the house?" She scolded. Certainly there was more room to run in this house. They had upgraded to a two story house two years ago so that they could have a bigger yard and two spare bedrooms, but that didn't mean that she wanted her kids running around like animals.

Evan frown up at her mother, "She took my gameboy!" He protested.

House, who had joined the party just a minute or two after Cuddy, looked over at his daughter, "Again? You have your own."

Gwen shrugged, "I like his better."

Cuddy rolled her eyes, "No, you just like to annoy him. Let me guess, he was playing quietly in his room?"

"I really don't see how that is the point." Gwen was trying to pull off looking innocent, but Cuddy saw right through it. She was so much like her father that it was scary. She saw very little of herself in Gwen aside from her outward appearance. Anyone could tell that she was her daughter. She was a younger version of herself, but beyond that she couldn't see it in her personality. Evan had her drive. When he wanted something he wouldn't stop till he had it. He was constantly striving for perfection, and his room had to be organized just so. Gwen's room was a disaster area. The only thing she could say was that Gwen at least had a bit better social skills than her father. She knew when to turn off her attitude and snark.

"Give it back, Gwendolyn." Cuddy demanded, "Everyone will be here soon, and if you give any trouble I swear that you will be grounded for the duration of your break."

Gwen rolled her eyes and stomped over to her brother to hand over the game, "You always take his side." She accused.

House laughed a little, "Kid, you took his game. How are we supposed to be on your side?"

"Uh he was chasing me." She pointed out.

House shrugged, "And? Stop being so obvious with your crimes."

Cuddy shot him an appalled look, "How about telling her not to commit any crimes at all?" She suggested.

"I don't believe in miracles, woman."

When House and Gwen moved out of the living room to go searching for something to nibble on in the kitchen Cuddy stooped down to look her son in the face. She gave him a smile and caressed his cheek gently, "All better?" She asked. House hated that she 'babied' him, but while she felt the need to be protective of both her children, Evan was different. He was so quiet. She worried about him.

Evan nodded, "Yeah." He gave her a rare, brilliant smile reserved almost completely for her, "Thanks mommy." He whispered.

She was never mommy in front of anyone else. He felt that everyone else would think he was too grown up to say it, but she insisted that six was still an okay age to call her mommy. So, when he said it now she immediately gathered him in her arms, "I love you, baby."

"I love you too." He whispered, hugging his arms tight around her neck. He pulled away when the doorbell sounded through the house.

Cuddy gave him a wide eyed look, "They're heeerreee." She dragged it out causing him to laugh at her absurdity.

The day started out normally. Once everyone had arrived they opened presents. All of the kids were impressed with their loot (Julie had brought her three kids along). House was also impressed with his gifts from Cuddy and Wilson. A pair of VIP tickets to the monster truck show next month from Wilson, and the complete collection of Prescription Passion from Cuddy, "You hate this show." He told her with a knowing smile.

She nodded, "I do, but I am also tired of it cluttering up our Tivo." She raised her hand up to run her fingers over the diamond studs that adorned her ears, "I love my earrings."

He leaned over and pecked her lips, "What can I say? I am an excellent jewelry picker."

"Are you sure that you want to be married to my daughter, Greg? Sounds to me like you might want to... bat for the other team." Arlene shot him a snarky smile. She always had something to say to him. It was almost worse than the banter between husband and wife.

Douglas, who was sitting on the other side of Cuddy, slipped his arm around his daughter's shoulders and shook his head, "I am pretty sure that he is completely content with what he has." He smiled down on his daughter when she beamed up at him.

House nodded, "Damn straight, but how am I supposed to love on my wife when you have your arm around her old man?" He tugged on her arm gently pretending like he was trying to take her away from him.

Douglas merely laughed at his antics, "I had her first. You can wait till later." He shot House a triumphant smile when Cuddy settled back and rested her head on her father's shoulder. She would forever be a daddy's girl.

"It seems like everyone could really just leave the grown woman alone." John grumped from his place in the corner. Everyone had been pretty much ignoring his presence since his arrival. They knew better than to poke the bear, but it was starting to get on his nerves. Not even Blythe was paying him any mind. She was sitting on the floor next to Gwen watching intently as the girl sketched a picture for her with the new supplies that Blythe had bought for her.

Evan, who had stayed right in front of his mother leaning against her legs the entire time, looked up at Douglas with a small smile, "Thank you for the book, Pop, Gran." He turned his small smile on his grandmother as well, knowing she would be angry if he didn't include her, but also knowing that she had very little to do with the gift buying. That was always Douglas' job.

Douglas reached down with his free hand to pat the top of the young boy's head, "It was our pleasure."

For dinner the children ate at a smaller table set up in the den, while the adults all sat around the dining room table. Cuddy had slaved away for hours on the turkey and all the trimmings. Wilson was the first to offer his compliments, "This is incredible, Cuddy." He looked to his left at Amber who nodded her agreement.

There was a murmur of agreement around the table, but John merely grunted before adding his two cents, "The turkey is a little dry."

House was about to open his mouth, but Cuddy quickly put her hand on his knee to stop him, "I am sorry about that, John. I tried my best." She let it roll off her back. Really if this was the worst that he would say it would be a good day.

Blythe cleared her throat and smiled over at the elder Cuddys who were both glaring John down for daring to insult their daughter, "Haven't the children just grown up so beautifully? I wish that we lived as close as the both of you do. It must be such a blessing to see them so often." She envied them, but she knew that asking John to move closer to their son was out of the question. Not because John would say no, but because Greg would never have it.

Douglas calmed himself and smiled back at Blythe. He knew that she was a dear, sweet woman, but he could not stand her husband, "They really are. We are lucky to be so close to both of our daughters."

"We love having you close too, daddy." Cuddy shot him a thankful look knowing that it had taken a lot for her parents to keep their mouths shut, but another snort coming from John caught her attention. She sighed and turned to look at him, "Can I get you something, John?" She asked through gritted teeth.

John shook his head and kept his focus on his plate, "No, sorry I was just amused by a forty something year old woman dressed like a whore and calling her father 'daddy'."

House glared over at his father and ignored the pressure Cuddy put on his knee, "Dad, I suggest you shut the hell up." It wasn't the first time he had made a shot about Cuddy's clothing, but he would be damned if he would let it go without acknowledging it.

"I agree." Arlene basically growled at the man.

Douglas put his arm behind Arlene's chair showing his support of her anger. He knew that while Arlene was critical of Lisa's clothing she did not appreciate others doing the same.

John glanced around the table then to his wife. Seeing the pleading in her eyes he shut himself up and just went back to eating.

They all ate in tense silence for a while before Wilson decided to break the ice, "Evan's concert is this Saturday right?"

House perked up at this, "Yeah, you coming?"

Amber smiled and laughed a little, "As if he would miss his godson's concert."

"She's right. I wouldn't miss it for the world." Wilson agreed.

"He has been practicing so hard. He wants it all to be perfect. It's so cute." Cuddy gushed.

Julia gave Cuddy an apologetic look, "I am sorry we can't make it."

Cuddy shook her head, "I understand. You are going on a cruise. There will be other concerts."

House caught a mumbled comment involving the word 'fruit' coming from his father. He glared over at him, "What was that /dad/?"

Blythe sighed, "Greg, don't." She begged.

"No mom, he has a comment about my son. Let him speak."

John rolled his eyes, "I merely said that I couldn't understand why he had to go and act like a fruit like his dad. Piano's were not meant to be played by men."

Cuddy shot daggers at him with her eyes, "John, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself about my children. Evan is talented just like his father, and we could not be more proud."

"Is he going to become an addict and a cripple like his father too?" The low blow rolled off his tongue as if it meant nothing to him. As if it was an everyday thing that a father would speak so low of his only son.

In an instant Cuddy was on her feet. House couldn't even make a grab for her arm before she had her hand flying through the air making a connection with John's cheek, "How DARE you!" She growled, "Get the hell out of my house!"

Anger and shock flashed in John's eyes when he stood up. He grabbed hold of Cuddy's wrist bearing down on her, "Who the hell do you think you are!"

House, Douglas, and Wilson were all out of their seats ready to pull John away from Cuddy, but she took a step closer to him still glaring up at him, "I think I am the wife of your son and mother of your grandchildren. I am the woman of this house, and you have no right to come in here insulting my family. My husband is a wonderful man who loves his kids and saves lives every day. How dare you bring up his past? And my son? My son is an intelligent and talented young man who I know will grow up to be a true asset to this world, unlike you. I am surprised you haven't insulted my daughter yet! She is such a bright and loving girl. Certainly you frown on that too!" She watched as Douglas and Wilson pulled John back and House tugged her up against him. She glanced up at House witnessing the fury within his eyes. She knew that it was not put there because of what was said about him. It was put there because John had dared to lay even a single finger on her.

Blythe was in tears. She moved to stand up, but House put his hand that wasn't around Cuddy's waist down onto her shoulder, "Stay mom."

Cuddy looked to Blythe, "House is right. You should stay. He." She gestured to John, "Is not welcome, but you always will be."

Blythe fought internally over what to do, but in the end she sat back down.

John scoffed before storming out of the house, never to return inside its walls again.

Cuddy took a deep breath then smiled warily at her guests, "Sorry about that. Why don't I bring out dessert?"

House followed behind her gathering her back into his arms once in the safety of their kitchen, "Merry fucking Christmas right?" He said with a forced laugh.

"I should have known having him here wouldn't work." She admitted. She reached up and caressed his cheek, "I'm sorry."

He shook his head, "Don't worry about it. Everyone who matters is still here. Its good that we did this. Now we know for sure that he shouldn't be invited here ever again. We learned our lesson."

She leaned up and kissed him gently, "Still love me?"

He chuckled a little at that, "Please after seeing you go toe to toe with my dad, I think I love you even more."

Once all of their guests had finally left, the House family settled down on the couch to watch "It's a Wonderful Life".

House groaned a little when it went to commercial, "Why are we watching this again?"

"Because it's good, daddy!" Gwen smiled up at him. She had her head in Cuddy's lap with her legs spread out over House's lap.

"Fine then someone should remind me how I ended up with squirt's butt on me." He tickled her feet playfully making her squirm.

"Because you are a butt!" Gwen shot back through her giggles.

Cuddy rolled her eyes, "Can we not discuss butts right now?" But she couldn't suppress a smile when both House and Evan's laughter was added in with Gwen's. She had one arm laid out across Gwen's middle while the other was wrapped around Evan holding him against her side and reaching her hand up to stroke his hair.

"Can I discuss it later with you?" House moved his arm across the back of the couch to rub her neck gently while he set her with a smoldering gaze. He knew that she knew what he was implying.

Cuddy met his intense gaze with one of her own, "We'll see."

House interpreted that as a yes and turned his attention back to the screen. All in all it was a pretty good Christmas considering the circumstances. He was just happy to end it with just his family. This was what he loved. This was the domestic scene that he had become accustomed to, and he could not ask for more.