Not mine...sadly.

Short first chapter but I'm just getting the story started.

"House...I have a proposition for you." Cuddy walked into House's office in what seemed like a good mood. He looked her over once.

"Weeeeeeeeeeeeeell Cuddles...I don't know. Last time you wouldn't stop calling and you got so needy...that thing you do with your toe was pretty cool though."

She rolled her eyes. "Funny...anyway. The hospital is hosting a fundraising event in two weeks...you WILL be there and you WILL wear a tux. But the beauty of it is you won't have to talk to anyone! And no one will talk to you and you won't offend any potential investors!...Hopefully."

"Oh really? How are you planning on managing that? Making me the sexy assistant in your magic show and leaving me locked in the disappearing box? Don't think so." House put his feet on his desk. "Besides...I don't look as good as you do in sequin corsets and fishnets."

"What if I told you, you could sit down the whole night and have as many drinks as you want...within reason...brought to you on a tray by a gorgeous waitress?" She leaned forward on his desk. Her shirt gaped a bit and she knew it. Hell, anything to get him to a benefit. House set his feet on the floor.

"I'm listening."

Cuddy smiled. "I want you to play for the benefit. It's perfect for you! You won't even know you're there!" And for the sake of everyone's feelings, they won't know you're there either. She stared at House, waiting for his response. She could tell how hard he was considering this. Cuddy kept her face calm but on the inside fireworks were going off. FINALLY, she may have won one!

"All that...and three weeks off clinic and you have your piano man."

"One week."

"Two."

"Deal!" Cuddy clapped her hands once. Victory was hers!

"And of course I play what I want. As in, NO requests. I do NOT do requests. And I retain the right to hit anyone who tries to make a request with my cane." House raised his eyebrows. Cuddy knew no exceptions would be made. But surely he wouldn't REALLY hit anyone just for asking him to play a song...right?

"Of course! Play what you want. Just play! And show up on time and wear a tux. Keep the tie on for at least forty-five minutes and you can take it off."

House pretended to think it over and nodded. With that, the deal was struck. Cuddy grinned and walked out. Right as House was turning on his gameboy she stuck her head back in.

"Those two weeks off clinic duty start AFTER you perform...so get down there!" With that she left for good before he could make a sarcastic remark about slave drivers with big chests. He started his game.