Problems
DJ Dubois
August 2008
Notes Part 1: This is the third story in a trilogy following "Gone For the Weekend" and "Back to Orchard Cove".
Notes Part 2: The characters from House MD belong to FOX and David Shore. All other characters are fictitious and are of my own creation. Please send comments to .
Chapter 1 February 12th—House's suite
In the second full week of February, the world seemed to slow. Everybody rushed out to make sure they had something special for their loved ones on Valentine's Day. Chocolates, flowers, poetry and cards were in the air. Dinner reservations flowed over telephones. Good wishes gushed in preparation for the big event everywhere….
…well almost everywhere.
In his glass enclosed sanctum, House sat engrossed with his favorite soap. While the cases piled up and the Ducklings were in the Clinic, he'd get to watch love in his preferred manner: behind a protective glass screen with zero chance of interaction.
Still he had to admit that the December trip back to the UP did have its benefits. He still was immune from Clinic duty for at least the next two months. The cases had been more interesting for some reason. Watching Cameron and Chase trying to keep their romance secret (even if Foreman and he both knew) provided nonstop entertainment.
But most of all, he couldn't get his boss out of his mind. Along with everything else, she'd taken more of an active part in his thoughts than he wanted to admit. The sex and shared creativity on the trip had definitely triggered something as they had several such experiences in their homes. Get a grip, House! Cuddy's as interested in settling down as you are! That means ZERO CHANCE.
A knock came from the door. "Oh now what?" House asked incredulously. He saw Wilson standing there watching him. "Yeah? I'm busy."
"Funny. It looks like you're watching the soap again while the rest of us are working on cases, House," Wilson groused while entering the suite.
House rolled his eyes. "Don't you have shopping to do for your many girlfriends or something? I hear the Big Day's coming."
"I've got that under control," Wilson retorted evenly. "How about you?"
"What about me?" House wondered with sarcasm.
"You do have something ready for Cuddy, right?" Wilson supposed. When he received no answer, he shook his head. "House, don't be an idiot."
"You know the Empress owns every red thong in the universe. What does she need one more for?" House retorted.
"It isn't just about underwear and sex, House!" Wilson rubbed his forehead and started to pace, considering how to drive the point through his best friend's thick skull. "Look, you get Cuddy in a bad mood, it doesn't just affect you. We all have to deal with it."
"Wow," House gasped with effect.
"Finally you get it. Somebody call the press," Wilson hoped.
"You're looking out for yourself rather than me. Seems I am rubbing off on you, Wilson. About time," House crowed, allowing himself an intense 'in your face' style smirk.
Wilson shook his head and raised his hands in the air in consternation. "ARGH! What is it with you, House? Why are you such an ass sometimes?"
"My charm and good wit, maybe? Now if you don't mind, I've got some real entertainment to get back to," House noted before turning his back on Wilson.
Why do I even bother sometimes? Wilson walked away knowing that Hurricane Lisa would blow three days later and it wouldn't be pretty.
"Love, ain'tcha sweet?" House supposed. "Let Wilson and the others deal with it. I went with her to the damn UP. That should be enough."
Little did he suspect that he'd already given Cuddy a present. One that really would cause problems…..