Visitation Rights
Disclaimer: I know I know I have started so many stories, but I really loved One Day One Room. I liked seeing the softer side of House. I do not own (so sad). Takes place after One Day, One Room-spoilers for Once again italics are the thoughts they are both having.
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"What are you doing here?"
House was sitting mindlessly watching the joggers, the running children, the youth, the freedom….I am jealous of them all.
"Watching."
Cuddy nodded licking her lips. "Watching."
"Gee, didn't know there was a parrot here." He replied making a squawking sound. Cuddy rolled her eyes. God, you can be so annoying…why did I do this again?
"You owe me."
House turned to face her, his blue eyes ….something was different about them. Less flair more sadness….what happened with that woman?
"Are you OK?"
He turned to face the ground Do I really want to talk about this now? Maybe I should…
"I'm fine."
Cuddy quickly interjected. "No you are not fine. This woman …she changed you. One day…and you are not the same."
"I am the same." He added angrily before sighing. "Nothing changes. Life sucks and you move on."
Cuddy's voice continued to taunt his rationality.
"You have changed. You can't lie to me." She paused, "What did you tell her."
"Patient confidentiality." A wonderful excuse…escape goat…another door locking…
"Then talk to me …as my patient. What happened?"
Cuddy's eyes softened. She tried to give a comforting smile but where was the comfort at in knowing that your top doctor was about to bare his soul? And for what cost…
Cuddy reached out a hand and offered it to him. Take it, please…
House looked at it. He is so untrusting, why?
He didn't take it. He doesn't' want my help.
"I told Eve what she wanted to hear," he paused "what she needed to hear."
Don't do this…don't back down now….remember you bastard…
"You're lying to me." Cuddy stood firm moving her hand closer to House's knee. House temporarily tore his gaze from the view before him to reflect. Cuddy is touching my knee, yet I have no urged to pull it away…I need this and it scares the hell out of me…
"What did he do to you?"
House's blue gaze shot up. How did she know?
He tried to regain his composure. For the first time in a long time he felt unsure of who he was, what he should say, who am I…I feel like I am about to throw up…
Cuddy tightened her grip on his knee. House kept his eyes focused on that.
He closed his eyes as the memories which had been guarded for so long hidden, forgotten almost, were all coming back in waves…I can't process this all at once…I can't deal …
House stood up pulling Cuddy's hand away. I don't deserve to be touched. It is all my own stupid fault …
"I'm pathetic. End of story." Why does it still bother me?
Cuddy stood up matching House's wavering gaze with ease and strength. He needs strength and for once I can give it…"Some wounds never heal especially if you've never confronted them. You are angry at yourself for not being as brutally honest with your father as you are with your patients."
House whispered, "Maybe."
Cuddy offered her hand again with another smile. Take it. You deserved to be loved as much as anyone.
"You are not pathetic and it was not your fault, no matter what happened in your past"
House smirked. Thank you.
He took her hand.
"Oh by the way, earlier" he grinned noticing once again her beautiful blue eyes. "That really was a breath mint."
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Did you like? Please review. It makes my whole day. I mean it! This is as far as I know a one shot. I loved the banter between House and Cuddy in this one. Huddy so much Huddy!