Obviously, I don't own House. If I did, Lisa Edelstein would definitely not be leaving.

A/N Thanks guys for all your amazing reviews! I'll definitely be continuing this fic and I'm in the middle of writing the next chapter! Big love to you all xxx


"I hope we can be friends again soon, you bloody scallywag!"

House replayed Rachel's letter in his mind over and over again. As much as he hated to admit it, he really quite liked the kid. It made Cuddy happy that they got on and not so long ago, a happy Cuddy made for a happy House.

He hoped that the letter wasn't just from Rachel; maybe Cuddy wanted him around too. But the last thing he wanted was for them to be friends; he wanted her in his arms again. He missed the way she would nuzzle into his neck, all warm and soft. He missed kissing her gentle lips and running his hands across the sensuous curves of her body. And most of all, he missed her company. She was one of the few people on an intellectual par to him and he used to love talking to her. That was all gone now; their exchanges were minimal and only occurred when necessary, never about anything that he actually wanted to talk about.

But she was the one to save him, yet again and he could see that she still cared about him. Maybe he shouldn't have told her that she was last on his list; not because he didn't want to see her - there was nothing he wanted more than to be with her. It was because he didn't want her to see him weak or vulnerable. She was right when she told him that he wanted to fix his leg in order to fix his life. Maybe if his leg didn't hurt, he could've coped with the pain of dealing with the potential death of the love of his life. Maybe he wouldn't have needed the pills and maybe she would still be his.

He shook himself out of his self-deprecating train of thought as Wilson strode through the door, a Reuben in one hand and a tray of coffee in the other.

"There better not be any pickle on that sandwich. And I don't want any fancy pants girly coffee like those cappuccinos you drink; give it me strong and black."

"Do you really doubt how well I know you? I even got you extra cheese." said Wilson as he handed House the sandwich and an Americano "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine" replied House as he tucked into his sandwich and slurped his coffee "I guess I don't give you enough credit. Thanks Wilson."

Wilson was taken aback by House's utterance "Who are you and what have you done with Gregory House? You must still be groggy from the anasthetic."

House smiled at Wilson as the door to his room opened. In ran Rachel, dressed in a pirate outfit.

"Arrr you bloody scallywag! You need to get better soon so you can walk the plank!" Rachel exclaimed as she ran over to the bed and began to climb up.

"Rachel sweetie, don't climb around House, he's very fragile at the minute" Cuddy's gentle voice filled the room and House looked up to see her stood in the doorway.

"Arrr you're alright matey, climb aboard" House said to Rachel and helped her up onto his hospital bed.

"Sorry to barge in on you guys, Rachel just wouldn't stop begging me to come and see you." Cuddy smiled as she saw House wrap an arm around Rachel so she wouldn't fall off the bed.

"That's okay" said Wilson "I've got patients to see to anyway. Enjoy your sandwich House! Bye Rachel, bye Lisa" And Wilson was gone.

"I miss you Hows. Did you like my letter?" Rachel said as she began to nuzzle into House's side.

"I miss you too kiddo and your letter was great. And anyway, how come I have to walk the plank?"

"Mommy said you'd been naughty and that was why you couldn't come round anymore." Rachel said as she looked to her mom for approval. Cuddy folded her arms defensively as House smiled at Rachel's comment.

"Mommy misses you too Hows. She wears your shirts sometimes and they smell like you" Rachel nuzzled further into House's chest as he looked over at Cuddy who had gone a rather deep shade of red.

"Rachel honey, I think it might be time to go" said a rather embarrassed Cuddy as she walked over to the bed to get her daughter.

Rachel pulled a face and reluctantly began to shuffle off the side of the bed. Cuddy bent down to help Rachel off the hospital bed and her eyes met House's.

"I miss you too. Sorry, Cuddy" said House, not breaking the eye contact between them.

Cuddy froze for a second; shocked by House's apology. She couldn't deal with this now and had to leave.

"Bye House. C'mon Rach, say goodbye" Cuddy took Rachel's hand and started walking towards the door.

"Bye Hows! I'll come and see you soon" Said Rachel as she skipped off with her mother.

"See ya kid, bye Cuddy" replied a dejected House.