Prologue

"Cuddy, what know?" House rolled his eyes dramatically as he opened the door, revealing a considerably distressed Cuddy holding a deeply sleeping little girl and a huge handbag. How she managed to carry around a three year old kid in high heels without losing her balance and falling ungracefully to the floor was still a mystery. She probably possessed a special cerebellum or something of the sort.

"I need a favour," she replied.

"You always need a favour. I am not babysitting the runt again," he made sure he had stressed the word not properly.

"Before you complain, would you let me in?"

"How do I know you are not planning to slaughter me?" He raised and eyebrow quizzically, and Cuddy sighed, exasperated.

"I'm not going to do it in front of my daughter. I think she actually likes you. And I had too many chances to murder you in cold blood and I still haven't done it, so you can consider yourself safe," She paused for a moment "Now I'd really appreciate if you would move away from the doorway.

House reluctantly allowed her to enter the premises of his flat- - cursing.

"You know, I was in the middle of something when you showed up," he remarked as he watched Cuddy placing Rachel on his spot on his couch. "Can you at least explain to me why you decided to pay the cripple a lovely visit?"

"A pipe broke down, my house is flooded, and Wilson's still in Washington," she replied. "And he changed the lock because someone broke into his house…" House almost smiled as he recalled the incident that had happened a few nights ago, before Wilson flew off to that conference about nuclear medicine, "so I don't have the keys," Cuddy finished, staring at him severely.

"Oh, you mean I was not your first choice?" He pouted mockingly. "I'm deeply offended, Cuddles."

"I seriously doubt it," she replied. She was kneeling down next to Rachel, making sure the little girl was comfortable and still sound asleep. "Don't call me that."

House smirked.

"So, how long until you get that pipe fixed?"

"I called them half an hour ago, and they told me it would take them two or three days. Not much,' she stood up and took off her coat. 'Wilson will be back in two days, so we won't be bothering you for long. And you're not allowed to complain. It's your fault we're here, after all."

"You could sleep in your car," he suggested, but Cuddy's stare silenced him. He rolled his eyes "Fine. Stay. But if the spawn breaks something you'll pay for it. And if she goes anywhere near my piano or my guitar…" It wasn't necessary for him to finish the sentence. Cuddy got the point.

"She's a kid, House. Not a beast. There'll be no irreparable damage. I promise."


A/N: Hahaha this story just popped up the other day while I was on the bus... Hope you enjoy it :)