So this marks the start: the quest to find the perfect toy. Though Liz has barely started her first steps, some of the toys they suggested buying were downright inappropriate for her age or boring. The couple obviously hasn't come in contact with children for a long time.
"How about this?"
House looked in her direction and stared at her incredulously, "Scrabble, really, Cuddy, scrabble."
"What's wrong with it? It's educational, it's a family game. Can be fun." She frowned, but put it back onto the shelf anyway.
"Yeah, and she's one. Probably swallow all the pieces before she spells "Da", "Ma" or "Ouse"."
"She'll grow into it. And she's knows how to say my name too, though the way she says it was like," Kudy". Except the time when you taught her how to say "witch"." She gave him her evil glare, however, unable to maintain it; her face softened, and broke into a wide grin, "She's just soooo adorable."
"That thing is probably going to collect years of dust before someone finally clears out the attic, and throw it in the dumpster."
Then, he chuckled at the memory of the "witch" incident. That kid really has a knack for language. And the ability to relate words to object. Though he told Liz "witch" has the same meaning as "beautiful"… Afterwards, He got reprimanded severely, got a kick in the shin (his good leg) from Cuddy, nearly fell, but he got the reaction he wanted; the priceless shocked face from Cuddy when she immediately turned to House and smacked him hard in the arm.
"She's a genius," said House.
They continued browsing through the shelves, managed a routine of picking random toys up, shaking it, and putting it back down again. Around them were 2 toddlers walking, no, more like squeaking about, doing the near exact same thing they were doing: picking up toys, shaking it, and putting back down again.
With a look of irritancy, House said, "You know what we shouldn't buy?"
Cuddy, still looking at the something in front of her without looking at House said nonchalantly, "squeaky shoes?"
Surprised that she knew what he meant but not showing it, he said, "Huh. Great minds think alike."
Cuddy, oddly flattered with the comment, looked up to him, "That's a little drastic, coming from you," and flash a smile.
"It's annoying and noisy and serves no purpose. The person who invented that should get himself arrested."
Cuddy chuckled. "I supposed it should be cute. Little children walking squeaking, their parents would know where they are; in case they got lost, they'll just have to follow the sound of annoyance." She said matter-of-factly, like it's the obvious.
"Things should be manufactured annoyance proof." He sighed, "Oh well, you can't always get what you want."
Puffing up his cheeks and tapping his cane, he continuing saying, "Imagine them dressing up as ducks." At this point, Cuddy has faced him in complete attention with a mixed expression of confusion and incredulity.
"And with those shoes quacking loudly, chasing after you."
She giggled at the hilarity, "I push you to them and say, "He's you Dada" and get the hell out."
She shook her head and said, "You have such morbid thoughts."
"Huh. I thought you love kids."
Then House saw it. House grabbed Cuddy's hand hastily, "Come here."
"House, you can't be serious!"
"Comon mum," he whined. "It's sporty and stylish. It's safe. Somebody can watch her while she plays. We can watch her. It's the perfect gift."
They both stared at the miniature motorcycles in front of them. House looked proud at his discovery, Cuddy eyeing him, wondering if he was really serious.
With the intent in his eyes, he certainly looked very much serious to Cuddy.
"It's perfect." House said it again.
Liz loves House's motorcycle, because, well, it reminds her of House. She often shrieks in excitement and euphoria the moment she hears him "vrooming" during visits. She'd be stoked with her own bike.
"Well, which one then?"
They paused for a moment, and then, "This" he said, pointing to it.
Black, sleek and very cool. The Speedster as it's called could drive up to 18 miles per hour, with batteries. Its design with fiery flames matches House's cane and orange bike. House looked at the bike with affection.
"Save that for yourself, House. Put it in your apartment as a decorative piece. Besides, the speed is too fast. Are you out of your mind?"
"What do you suggest then, you control-freak." He said, childishly
"Well," ignoring House's hostility, "This. This is perfect for her."
House eyes widen, astonished with Cuddy's choice.
"Why my, Cuddy. This certainly explains a lot about your choice of the men you'd dated."
"Oh come on, what's this got to do with that?"
Huh. She's pouting. Hit a raw nerve- That nerve- again.
House moved over to check out the price.
He looked at Cuddy, hand absently placing on the bike, but then shifted his gaze towards the bike and said, "Cuddy, this bike, like your dates, is expensive- well, the meal they can afford- and it doesn't matter if you don't enjoy pretty much every one of them, because like this bike, they are kinda hideous. Look at it, its pink with ribbons everywhere! But like your dates -who have to pay the real price of turning up and spending time with you- Liz is going to pay by riding this piece of-"
Cuddy was already approaching the salesperson to purchase the present. There's nothing wrong with that choice; they both knew that, if anything, the apparently pink, girly as it could be, turtle-speed though battery operated, full of fancy ribbons, is the better one. Their little girl would love it to pieces- which was the main point.
House didn't miss that point. But he knew that Cuddy's recent date didn't end off very well. He knew that because he was the cause of it, though by the look of Cuddy's eyes when she looked at was-it-Billy-or-Bobby, she would have ended it herself on the next date. He saw the raw spot, and he poked it.
This messed up relationship, more-love-than-hate, hard to tell, sometimes it'll even look the other way round, but ultimately, he cared more than he wanted to. He saw a raw spot, maybe if he poked it enough, it wouldn't hurt.
"Hey, cripple here, wait up!" he raised his voice, attracting attention to Cuddy (and more), who was already near the cashier station.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed it so far. reviews would be hearts.