Chapter 2

Change is inevitable, except from vending machines and Gregory House.

House gate-crashed Wilson's visit to Cuddy. Wilson shrugged apologetically to Cuddy as they entered her home. She'd indicated it was of no consequence. Wilson had brought a large soft-toy that looked like a monkey. "It reminded me of someone", he said as he gave it to Cuddy, "I can't think who for the moment" he continued, glancing at House. She smiled as she accepted the gift, "Yes, I see what you mean, must be a relative".

House proffered nothing, took a couple of seconds to look at the baby, turned to Wilson and said "It's life, Jim, but not as we know it" before prowling round the nursery. He prodded and poked the soft toys, before starting to juggle with them while Wilson did the cooing over the baby.

He'd butted in when the baby's name was mentioned. "Rachel! That's means 'ewe' as in female sheep. You could at least have chosen Rebecca…… that means to bind, which would be more realistic."

They turned to stare at him.

"How can you possibly know these things?" Wilson had asked. House shrugged.

"So I take it you know the meaning of James?" Wilson added.

"Supplanter", he'd glanced at Cuddy, "Lisa, diminutive of Elizabeth, Oath of God or Consecrated to God."

"And Gregory?" asked Cuddy.

He'd paused a moment before muttering "Watchful, vigilant".

Bored with the toys, House then found a rattle which he proceeded to shake, rattle and roll using various tubs, bottles and jars on the chest of drawers. "Hey, it's never too early for the kid to be introduced to music," he said as Cuddy, scowling, snatched it from him. Deprived of distractions he headed towards the kitchen yelling "Where's the cookies? Wilson promised there'd be cookies".

Pondering the visit afterwards, Cuddy thought he had been watchful. She could feel him watching her when she wasn't looking. She only caught him doing it once to which he'd made some flippant remark about her ass and would she turn back round as the interesting bits at the front were covered. She'd puzzled over it. He must have had a reason; he just didn't do things like that without a reason. She hoped but couldn't believe he'd come to be sociable, yet he had had no obvious agenda… which was worrying. He must have had a bet with Wilson was her conclusion. It seemed the only explanation.

"Why haven't you been over to see her before?" Wilson asked House as they drove back.

"Woman, new baby equals boring," he responded, swallowing a Vicodin tablet.

"Come on, House, you've been pining for her all week."

"Have not!"

"Have too! And you've been in more pain this week."

"Have not!"

"Have too! That's the third time I've seen you take a pill this morning."

"Think my 'addiction's out of control again?" House snarled back.

"No," said Wilson, unfazed, "I think you don't like the fact that Cuddy's focus is no longer on you. You were fine before when you were pursuing her and got her attention. Now…"

"I'm having a few bad days from the 'physical' pain – it happens. It is not some emotional response. I thought that Cuddy should have some time and space with the poop generator. I would have thought that would have counted as reasonable behaviour."

"A few bad days… what a coincidence and I think she'd appreciate more active support."

"She wanted to be a single Mom, she gets all the crap that goes with that. You're not going to catch me taking her trash out."

"Hey, I was just being helpful and it would help you if you were helpful," Wilson suggested

"What?" House's head snapped round from staring out of the window.

"If you went to help you'd get some of her attention, and if you 'did' help she'd have more time for you," said Wilson.

"Cripple, don't do chores, don't do helpful and if she had more time she'd spend it with the rugrat."

"Suit yourself, it's your pity party."

House said nothing but glared at him and then turned his head to glare out of the window.