Preface: This is my first House fic that I felt was good enough to put out there. Now there are a few things I'd like to note. I am happy to say that I have a wonderful beta, she has already helped me with a few key points. Still, this is an ever changing story, after I post this chapter I will be going back to make some changes to the first. Don't worry, you won't necessarily have to go back and read it all over again. These are just some changes to flesh out the story, fill in little things that makes it more...well, filling. So read on and I hope you like what you read!
On a newer note, thank you so much for all the response to this. It means a lot to me that so many people have already taken an interest in this story. I have decided to post this chapter even though it's still not a really character balanced story. And again, thank you for your support!
As of 11/09/08, the first chapter has been revised to include a short Wilson/House scene.
Note: This is a Huddy story, eventually. Please R&R, I need input and notes on how you like this so far. Thanks!
Heavenly praises are being sung for my great beta, Metaphoriclove.
Disclaimer: I do not own House M.D., this is just a story from the messed up workings of my head. Megan James is an original character.
For the next two weeks, House acted normally, like he didn't know anything other than what everyone else knew. The only difference was that he was a bit more subtle and quiet when joking. He was also tentative and quick to leave any time he was alone with her. Cuddy was just glad that she didn't have to hide her rapidly expanding midsection any more. She got a few looks and stares the first few days, but they were also followed by congratulations.
The looks only lasted for about a week, and then everything seemed to go back to normal. The initial shock had worn off and people didn't care so much now. She was starting to let the happiness in and the worry go, and she felt good. The day of fundraiser Cuddy was going over her schedule in her office, it was January 18th. It dawned her just then, today was her daughter's twenty first birthday. She had also realized she had scheduled an ultrasound for later today. It seemed strange that everything was happening today.
She wondered what the tiny girl had grown up to look like, how she was, what she was doing. She thought back to the image of the little pink bundle in her arms. She wondered what color her eyes were, if they were more icy blue or gray blue. She thought about the color of her hair when she was born. She had a small amount of medium reddish brown hair then, did it get darker or stay lighter as she got older?
After a few minutes, she snapped herself out of it and got back to work. She had her appointment at five fifteen, so she left her office and headed up to OB. She could see the people already starting to set up for the night.
After the appointment she was in shock, it was a good shock, but still. She left the OB floor and got into the elevator. Her head was reeling with thoughts as she reached for the buttons. The doors closed and she just held the picture and stared at it as the car went down. When the doors opened, she looked up, thinking someone was getting on. She realized after a few seconds that she must have hit House's floor by accident.
She wonder if she should go by his office and tell him. She wondered if he was even there still and then figured either way. She walked up to his office and saw him sitting at his desk, tossing his ball in the air. The light was dim and only his small desk lamp was on. She knocked on the glass and stepped in as House caught the ball and looked at the door.
"Hey, sup?" he asked, going back to throwing his ball.
After a few seconds of Cuddy just standing there, not knowing what to say, House stopped and looked at her. His face was slightly concerned as he looked at her.
"Cuddy, everything alright?" he asked.
"Um…I…" was all she could say.
She was suddenly feeling a little light headed, the realization sinking in. She put a hand to her head and tried to take deep breaths. Before she knew what was happening, there was a strong hand on her arm.
"Cuddy, are you okay?" asked House, real concern in his voice.
"Yeah, just a little dizzy." she said, as House helped her into the sofa chair.
As she leaned back she saw House pulling his desk chair over to her and sitting down.
After a moment of looking at each other House asked, "What?"
"Nothing." said Cuddy.
"Good, put your feet up." he said, taking her wrist and looking at his watch.
After a moment he let go of her arm and leaned on the back of the chair, looking at her.
"So, wassup?" he asked.
"I had an ultrasound and blood work today." said Cuddy.
"Oh, um, all good?" asked House.
"I'm a little anemic, but just barely. The reason for the anemia is because it's twins." said Cuddy.
House didn't say anything, he just rubbed a hand over his beard for a moment. Cuddy could swear she saw a hint of a smile before though.
"Well, that explains the extra ass you put on then." he said finally, looking serious.
"Shut up!" said Cuddy, slapping his arm.
"Sorry, I just couldn't resist." House said, finally laughing.
Cuddy just stared at him, shocked for a moment. Had House just actually apologized to her and meant it?
She quickly wiped the look off her face, hoping he hadn't had time to clearly recognize it. He clearly hadn't because he was smiled a bit longer and then became serious again.
"Let me see." he said, holding out his hand.
"What?" asked Cuddy.
"The photo, gotta make sure they don't have two heads or three legs." said House.
"House!" said Cuddy, handing him the picture from her jacket pocket.
"Cuddy!" he said, mocking her tone as he looked at the black and white photo.
She watched his face wile he examined the picture. He was discerning and studied the photo thoroughly for a few minutes. Then his faced softened, only for a few seconds, before going back to the analytical House. He handed the photo back to Cuddy and took a deep breath before speaking.
"Feeling better?" he asked.
"Yes, good as new. I had better get going." she said, standing up slowly.
She walked over to the door and opened it a crack as House rolled his chair back to his desk. "House, thank you, that was nice." she said.
"Yeah, see you later." he said, with ever the slightest smile.
Cuddy paused a moment and then left, the door closing softly behind her. That was an oddly, yet pleasantly strange encounter with House. He hadn't even said anything sarcastic when she said it was nice. As Cuddy was leaving, she decided to check in on the set up.
Everything was going up nicely when she heard a loud voice, not quite yelling.
"Did you just not get the opposable thumb gene during evolution or something? You're barely better than a monkey, and I'm almost positive that you're a step down from a trained monkey!" she said.
"I'm sorry, I didn't…" said the guy who was sitting on the piano bench.
"No, you didn't, did you!" said the woman bent over the piano and looking in it.
After a minute of silence the lady took a few deep breaths and stood up. She was wearing tattered jeans and an old t-shirt. All Cuddy could see was her back, and from what she saw, she prayed that she hadn't made a mistake in letting House procure the music. When she turned to the side, Cuddy caught a glimpse of her face which was partially obscured by messy tendrils of hair falling into her eyes. She could tell from here that she also had tattoos on her wrists and again, Cuddy prayed for a miracle.
"No, I'm sorry, you're doing just fine. It's just a bad day for me. Keep going, you're doing well." she said, bending back into the piano.
"If that's our musician, I see why House gets along with her." said Cuddy, turning and leaving the hospital.
She took a quick shower and got ready for the event, putting on a full length black and white dress. She also decided to wear heals, since she probably wouldn't be able to for much longer. Besides, she was going to be spending most of her time sitting down tonight anyway.
Cuddy got back to the hospital at about seven thirty. The event didn't start until eight, so she had some time to make sure everything was running smoothly before people started to arrive. After going over the list with the planners Cuddy had about ten minutes before the doors opened. That's when House walked in from the hallway.
"Wow, you look, uh…good." he said, walking up to her.
"Well, I'm glad I made it all the way to the step above eh." said Cuddy, sarcastically.
"No no no, you miss understand. There are three levels above eh, ok, alright, and pretty good." said House.
"Oh, well in that case." said Cuddy, dryly.
"Really, you look…stunning." said House, a little softly and looking around.
"Thank you." said Cuddy, not knowing how to respond to a compliment like that from House.
I know it kind of ends abruptly this time, kind of no closing scene. I'm still working on all of this, but as of right now, it picks up in the next chapter. I do have more written, so hopefully I'll post again soon. Though I am doing beta work on two stories right now and contrary to popular belief, I do have some semblance of a life. I also have a beta working with me on this, so give us a bit, it'll make everything better. Thanks for everything, and remember, R&R!