The first thing he noticed was the distinct feeling of having unsuccessfully swallowed an entire angora sweater. Soon to follow was the dance party in his stomach keeping time with the drum solo in his head. Before House even opened his eyes, he'd diagnosed himself as having all the signs of a massive hangover. Might as well confirm the damn thing, he thought as he willed his eyelids open.
"Hey, stud."
"I'll only answer you when you stop screaming."
"I'm sorry. Is this better?" the voice next to him whispered. Painfully moving his head, he couldn't help but weakly smile when the mass of black curls came into focus.
"Much. How long have I been out?"
"A couple hours. Did you enjoy the party?"
"I think so. I also think I'm getting too old for this. How much did I have?"
"Oh, you drank your fair share, for sure. How much do you remember?"
"Bits and pieces here and there. Did I accidentally out us?"
"A few times."
"Oops."
"It's okay. Actually, one of those times turned out to be the highlight of my evening and quite possibly of my year."
"Oh?"
"You screamed 'I love you' into Cameron's ear only to look up, see her face, and shout, 'Wait, you're not Cuddy.'"
"I guess the rumor mill's going to kick into high gear tomorrow."
"I doubt it. I think most people will chalk it up to you being drunk off your ass. Besides, I wasn't the only one for whom you declared your undying affections."
"Who else?"
"Well, there was Wilson…"
"Hmm…"
"…and Kutner…"
"Ooh…"
"…and Nurse Brenda."
"Jesus."
"All in all, it was a pretty successful evening."
"Anything else?"
"When I was talking to Imelda Smythe-Johnson - "
"Wait."
"What?"
"Who's Imelda Smythe-Johnson?"
"New lawyer on the board. She replaced the weird guy - "
" – with eleven fingers. Yes, now I remember. Go on."
"Well, when I was talking to her, you came to me, spun me around, and wished my breasts a very happy new year."
"Something about hoping to see them more often in the coming months?"
"Finally jogging your memory, I see."
"Among other things." He wiggled his eyebrows as much as he could, which is to say, he failed miserably.
"On that note, I think it's time you went to back to sleep."
"One last thing – was I really singing?"
"Yes. You and Wilson got drunk enough to belt out 'Secret Lovers' at the karaoke machine. I was kind of sad to have to break that up; you two harmonize beautifully. Now go to sleep."
"Happy New Year, Cuddy."
"Happy New Year, House."
A/N: And on that note, Happy New Year to all of you. I hope this year brings us peace, joy, and Huddy lovin'!