A/N: Okay, I've written another Housefic. HouseCuddy, to be exact, because they're gorgeous and snarky and they make me happy, and really, are there better reasons to write about them? This issort ofa follow-up to "Abandon." If you want to read that first, it's short and can be found by clicking on my user name up there, see? I wanted to post this in two parts. Part one is significantly shorter than part two (try less than half the length), but there was really no other possible breaking point. So yeah, please review- I really appreciate feedback. Thanks, and enjoy!
Gregory House took a look at his watch as he entered his office on Monday morning. It was 10:38 AM- he was early for a Monday. Cuddy ought to be pleased about this. House had to make use of a couple of extra facial muscles to keep his customary grumpy-face in tact as he thought of a few other things that had pleased Cuddy that weekend.
House peered through the glass office wall into the adjoining room and spotted Foreman and Chase arguing over the coffee machine while Cameron read through a file. House leaned momentarily against his desk, switched his cane to his left hand and flexed the cramped fingers of his right before straightening up and crossing his office to join his team. He cleared his throat, and all three looked up.
"Good morning, children. Did you miss Daddy? Cameron, already working, good girl. Boys, you should sharpen that work ethic. Sloth is a sin. Now, who made a cup of coffee for Papa?"
Chase and Foreman rolled their eyes before returning their attentions to coffee. Cameron spoke up. "New case- eight year old boy, no history of respiratory problems. Sudden trouble breathing at school. The parents haven't arrived yet. Primary examinations couldn't explain the problem. Dr. Hanson sent it over to you, he said-"
"Gym teacher worked him too hard. He's eight, how much history could he have? Tell Hanson I'm not going to take over the cases he's too busy to handle." House glanced up and caught sight of Wilson jerking his head in the hallway, signifying that House should join him. House gave a quick nod of understanding. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm needed for an important conference down the hall. Cameron, find me a more interesting case. Chase, there's more coffee in one of these cabinets. You could try looking for it instead of wasting your time trying to persuade Foreman to give you his. Car thieves generally don't like to share."
On that note, House exited the room and made his way to the end of the hall, where Wilson was waiting with a concerned expression on his face.
"House, Cuddy never showed up for work."
"Really. What is this, the first time in twelve years? I'm completely astounded. Well, looks like a day of video games and soaps- I'd better get started if I want to take full advantage of this rare opportunity."
"Stop it, this is serious and you know it. Cuddy never misses work, she's never late, and she hasn't left early since her cousin in New York had a miscarriage three and a half years ago. If she isn't here now there must be a very good reason, and the fact that she didn't call is making me extremely worried that it's a very bad reason."
"Okay, so her alarm clock broke and she overslept. Unfortunate, but easily remedied with a replacement of double-As. Should I be nice and buy her some?"
"Listen to me. I'm concerned, and you should be too."
House sighed. "Fine, so we need a differential diagnosis for a missing hospital administrator. Dr. Wilson, any ideas?"
"As a matter of fact, I was wondering if this could possibly have anything to do with the dinner on Saturday night, namely with two certain people who were suspiciously absent after about eleven o'clock. Specifically, Dr. Gregory House and Dr. Lisa Cuddy."
"Very astute observation, Dr. Wilson. And what do you think happened on Saturday night that could explain their absence, and Dr. Cuddy's subsequent failure to show up at work on Monday?"
"I was hoping that you would tell me the answer to that, Greg."
"Well, it looks like your hopes will not be fulfilled today. Tough luck. Now if you'll excuse me, Mario is waiting."
"House! If you know something about Cuddy, something you know she might be having trouble with, and you just ignore it, you are officially a world class asshole!"
"Shh! You really mustn't say such things in public, my sweet. People might guess our little secret." House began to move down the corridor away from Wilson.
"House, where are you going? House!"
"I'm leaving for a while. Make sure the kids behave while I'm gone."