House Stalked Cuddy
Disclaimer: Don't own House M.D. or the characters.
A/N: Hello! I'm the birthday girl, so I get to do whatever I want today. This little diddy popped into my head before I could fall asleep. Following my own advice I typed it up before it could flit away. Enjoy!
House stalked Cuddy to her office. He wasn't backing down, not without a fight. Their progress was halted by a small child that ran directly in front of Cuddy's path.
It seemed to happen in slow motion. The light blond curls waving behind her as she dashed forward. Cuddy wanted to stop but her inertia insured her forward motion. She did the only thing she could think to do. Swooping down after the initial collision she collected the small child in her arms.
The young girl giggled with delight at her new height and threw her arms around Cuddy's neck in a warm embrace. She shot her worried father a sunny grin from behind the doctor's shoulder.
His mad-dash halted and worry was replaced with minor embracement and amusement. "Do you have any children Dr. Cuddy?" Her actions were so graceful, surely she did.
House cringed on the inside. He'd poke and prod Cuddy till the end of days, but here there was no pun intended no way for her to just write it off. At least she knew him—he was an ass, she knew to ignore it.
Cuddy's eyes glazed over slightly, she paused; her mouth open slightly. The girl squeezed her tight; "I'm sorry" she mumbled and kissed Cuddy's cheek. It was all Dr. Cuddy could do to shake her head. Slowly, reluctantly she loosened her hold and the child slipped down to the floor and ran to clutch her daddy's hand.
The father shook his head also "Pity," he smiled genuinely not comprehending the significance of her silence, "you're a natural." As they left, the little tike waved to her closing and opening her tiny hand.
He watched her frozen in place for several moments before she entered her office, her sanctuary.
He continued to watch the spot where she had been standing. He heard the doors shut. He faced the glass; saw her alone in the center of the empty office, her head bowed.
Then turned and left.