Hope
"Why didn't you say anything?" House asked rather viciously. His words were always so painful. "Because you are an ass! If I mention any iota of having feelings for you, you'd completely blow it out of proportion and turn it into a joke! You do that to everyone!"
House sat down for a moment.
"Maybe this time is different." His whisper was barely audible.
"What?" Cuddy asked with tears forming in her eyes.
"I said..." He looked up at her. "I said maybe this time is different."
Cuddy could only smile weakly and went to lean against her desk while simultaneously wiping away tears.
"You push everyone away. Everyone! So why not now?" She was curious this time, not angry.
"I'm tired." House said, standing up. "I'm tired of everything. I want you. No matter how much I hurt I want to be with you."
He strode over to Cuddy and stood over her.
"And what makes you think this will work?" She asked, grabbing his hand and holding it in hers.
He looked at her with a weak smile and said, "I have hope."