AN: Just so everyone knows now, this is also my NaNoWriMo novel, though I'm not sure if it will make the 50,000 minimum. This idea has been done before, but not with all the same characters; if you're looking for the "original" idea of this, or the first one that I found, then it's under my favorites. It's called "Stand" by CJS-DEPPendent, and follows the same basic story line. Also, the whole Dibala incident didn't happen, well, he died, but Chase didn't kill him.

So, on with the story!

Complete Summary: One year after House returns from Mayfield, he attends a wedding that he never wanted. The wedding of Lisa Cuddy and Lucas Douglas. But eight years later, he wants to prove that everything that glitters is not gold, and that the marriage that Cuddy committed herself to eight years ago has faded to pieces. And right now, House decided that she needs to do something about it. rated for language, house being House, abuse, violence and possible smut. Huddy/Luddy with additional side pairings.

Later October – 2010

House's POV

The leaves were crisp, the sun peeked into the hall from behind the blinds and the occasional howling of the wind against the church would cause everyone to pause. I remember the day like it was my last day on Earth; hell, it felt like it was my last day on Earth. Besides me was Wilson, as usual, getting all emotional over the vows. Also, as usual, I remember elbowing him to suck it up and stop being a baby. I didn't want to be here, I didn't want to be anywhere except my apartment, in front of my piano, a bottle of scotch handy, playing your song.

You looked beautiful, as I have always said; though in my crazy ways; I thought you always looked beautiful. The dress you wore was a light blue one, which showed off your figure just as well as your daily outfits did at work. It was a wonderful choice, you being the bright, summer-like figure in the horrible weather that raged outside. No one, not even I, could find any question to ask after the wedding ended, at least one they dared to. But one question ran through my mind from the day I received the invitation that summer, why Lisa? Why did you ever choose Lucas over me?

Actually, no, I knew why. He was what you wanted. He bought you nice things, made you smile and laugh. And he surely didn't yell from the hospital balcony that he slept with you. That's what you liked about him. Lucas wasn't insane; he never went to a mental hospital for drug problems. He was your idea of perfection. And somehow, nothing before that could matter to you anymore.

But it matters to me, it always has. I've loved you for as long as I can remember, even before I was conscious of it myself. Ever since we met in Michigan all those years ago, I never let go of you; you were the first woman I ever loved. No matter who I met after that, no matter who I dated after that; they were nothing compared to you. Yes, there were times I had thought I could move on, forget what I felt we had, and begin anew. But in the end, you were my true love, the one I would give my life for.

Fate is cruel for tearing you from me so violently, never in my life had I imagined you'd fall into his trap. If you were to ask me, I wouldn't tell you that Lucas is a bad man for you, but he's not "the one" for you. You've been driving yourself crazy these years, certain that you hadn't met him yet. But, maybe, just maybe, if we did this over again; you wouldn't be so blind to see everything I feel for you. It's too late now though, we can't go back and erase the past year like it's never happened. If I told you, that night two year ago, when we kissed, that I loved you, would you be marrying me now?

Yes, Lisa, it was two years ago tonight, where I came to your house, said you'd be a great mother, and kissed you. I don't regret anything that has happened between and honestly, I don't think you do either. Anything we've had has been a mix of flirtatious banter, suggestive comments, or merely us trying to torment the other. Even, now that it comes to mind, the very rare but occasional bit of help when the other is too stupid to realize that they're making a mistake.

And no matter what Lisa, I'll always –

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas."

The room rose as one, well almost one, leaving the quiet, thoughtful House to struggle to his feet and fake a smile as the rest of the room rejoiced in Cuddy and Lucas' marriage.

AN: What do you think? Worth using as my NaNoWriMo novel?

xx

KM Wilson