This is set up to be some Huddy. The chapters are generally short, like little snippets, but there's quite a bit coming so stay tuned. I don't own any of the characters. With that being said, enjoy!

"Are you going to say something or are you just going to sit there all afternoon?" Cuddy raised her eyes to meet House's as he sat in a chair across from her desk.

House had one leg crossed over the other. His fingertips were together and resting in front of his mouth. He noted Cuddy's annoyed expression as she sat with a pen poised in hand.

"How did your date go last night?" House asked.

"Fine," Cuddy answered, looking back down at the paperwork. "Not that it's any of your business."

"Your sexual escapades are always my business, Party Pants," House replied, smirking.

Cuddy picked her head up and glared. "Don't call me Party Pants. And I changed my password, by the way."

"Wicker Man," House said. "I know.

Cuddy frowned. "Damn it, House. Well, I'm changing it again."

"You're avoiding talking about your date," House pointed out.

"I am not." Cuddy focused back on her paperwork. "Besides, you don't actually care."

"It's a simple question really." House was irritated that he was failing at getting information from Cuddy.

Cuddy dropped her arms to her desk. She raised her head, her eyes meeting House's. "Fine, if it'll get you to shut up. It didn't go how I thought it would, okay? I just wanted... never mind. Can you go now? I have a lot of work to do, House."

House was intrigued. "What do you want, Cuddy?"

Cuddy was certain he was never going to leave without getting a straight answer. She deflated a little with a sigh. "I just want a nice man to take me out on a nice date. Just... once."

House couldn't believe his luck. "Okay."

"Okay, what?" Cuddy asked, confused by his one word response.

"I'll take you out," House said simply.

"You?" Cuddy narrowed her eyes in disbelief.

"You don't think I have the capability to give you a nice date?" House gauged Cuddy's reaction, knowing he had to play his cards right.

Cuddy laughed. "You're not serious."

"I've never been more serious." House had several responses to that line, but he chose the best one for his purpose.

Cuddy's face quickly lost its smile. "House... I... I don't want to go on a date with you."

"I wasn't suggesting we get married, Cuddy," House told her, head cocked slightly to the side. "It was just an offer for a date to give you a nice time. Let you compare what a date should be and put Nose Picker and Clears-His-Throat-Eighty-Times-Throughout-Dinner to shame."

Cuddy eyed House suspiciously. "You... this isn't like you, House. I don't trust you."

House shrugged and stood from his chair. "I was just offering. You don't have to accept."

He turned to leave. Cuddy watched him, her eyebrows drawn together. She stood quickly and moved around her desk.

"House, wait," Cuddy commanded.

House turned. "Yes?"

"Why would you do this?" Cuddy asked. "What are you getting out of it? I'm not going to have sex with you."

"Prude." House shot back.

Cuddy shook her head and rolled her eyes, of course it had to do with sex.

"That was a joke," House replied to her reaction. "And if you don't want to go, then don't. No harm, no foul."

"I just want to know why?" Cuddy placed her hands on her hips.

"Bet with Wilson," House answered. "He said I couldn't get you out on a date if my life depended on it."

Cuddy shook her head. "Figures."

"I'll split the winnings with you," House offered, leaning in, trying to be enticing.

Cuddy paused. Normally, she wouldn't have even considered this. But, as her attempt at having any relationships failed, the thought of going out for one nice night free of any pressure was appealing, even if it was with House. "What would I get?"

"Well, I get a week's worth of Vicodin the day after the date." House tapped his cane. "You can have the cash. A hundred bucks."

"For one night." Cuddy made sure she understood the grounds.

"One night," House agreed.

"And you'll be nice," Cuddy added.

"Cameron nice." House squinted in her direction.

Cuddy thought it over for a moment. "Fine."

"Tomorrow night?" House asked.

Cuddy nodded. "Yeah, sure. What happens if you lose the bet?"

"I have to give Wilson approved bedside manner to all patients for a week." House answered. "And cough up a good ol' Benjamin."

"You could use a week of good bedside manner." Cuddy considered this.

"Don't toy with me," House told her, slightly annoyed. "Yes or no, Cuddy."

"Are you paying for everything?" Cuddy asked him.

"No, but Wilson is," House replied.

Cuddy sighed. "Although I do find this to be rude and offensive, I will accept your... 'date' since you're promising to be nice, it's free, and I'll get a hundred bucks out of it."

House bit his lower lip to keep from smiling and extended his hand. Cuddy reached out and took his hand in hers. They shook on it.