Walking into the cafeteria, it didn't take House to spot Sam. She was sitting by herself slumped over a plate of fries and a book. Sitting down at Sam's table, he smirked. She hadn't changed at all, since he had last seen her. He stole one of her fries, but didn't speak. Instead, he tipped her book up, just high enough to read the title.
"Well hello there stranger. I was wondering when you were going to show up." Sam grinned, good-naturedly. It had been far too long since they had last hung out. Marking her page, she closed her book. Crossing her arms, she mimicked his smirk.
"Well I was acquiring some front row seats to the big seduction." He wiggled his eyebrows, as a smug look crossed his face. He liked messing with people, but Sam was more fun than most. She was generally fairly stoic or indifferent, but it seemed with him her expressions and reactions were always intense.
Sam looked at him a bit panicked. "Oh no, Greg, don't even start. I don't have my eye on anyone. Besides, I need this job." It was true that she had a history of seducing woman, especially women who didn't see it coming. Things were different now. She was trying to focus on herself for a change.
He could see it in her eyes. She was pleading with him not to cause trouble. "Sam, seriously, how long have we hung out?" She wasn't looking for anyone, but that didn't mean that she wouldn't find someone. She always seemed to find someone. Her innocent looks and emotional naivety always seemed to draw women in.
"I don't even know anyone yet," she whined. She looked up at him scared. She hadn't come there to play games. She had hoped that he would actually help her stay out of trouble. He wasn't supposed to be encouraging her to start playing around again.
"You know Cuddy, and I know you. Physically she's your type, but much hotter than usual. She's older than you, authoritative, yet somewhat maternal, quick witted, sarcastic... do I really need to keep going?"
"Aw," Sam teased, "Sounds like someone else has the crush." Sam took a deep breath, trying to focus on anything other than what he said. Not only was she not looking for anyone, but also Cuddy was not an option. She agreed that the older woman was beautiful, but she was also her boss.
House grinned at her, knowing he had gauged things perfectly. "You're deflecting," he said, matter-of-factly. A part of him felt bad for her dilemma, but he also knew that this only helped his plan. The two women growing closer was exactly what he hoped for.
She could feel it all starting to fall into place. She had already seen the warning signs of her crush earlier that day, but had been in denial. She hoped that if she ignored them and didn't dwell they would go away. She glanced around the cafeteria, looking at anything other than his ego swelling.
House watched, as his young counterpart groaned. He could only guess who was coming up behind him. He studied Sam's reaction. Her eyes were following Cuddy and he could make out the faint blush that was rising to her cheeks. House had known Sam for a long time and he had to admit she had her way with women. However, being bashful was usually just an act. This time it was real.
Sam tried not to watch the already far too familiar form of her boss storming towards them. She caught herself noticing small things about Cuddy's form. Like the sway of her hips, the confidence she carried, the determination in her eyes. "Oh god," she groaned, as she met Greg's very amused gaze. Her hands trembled slightly and she instantly lost what little appetite she had. Something else was stirring inside her.
"House," the stern voice screeched. "What are you doing here?" She stopped next to their table, towering over them in her three-inch heels. She remembered what House had said about firing the girl and wanted to prevent any damage he had planned.
"I felt faint?" he only half mocked. He looked up at her, then made an over dramatic act of looking at her breasts that were closer to eye level. "You look nice today, Cuddles," he said, his eyes never once coming up for air.
Rolling her eyes, she couldn't hide her grin. Grabbing his chin in her hand, she jerked it up towards her face. Bending over, she kept his gaze locked on hers. Her cleavage was even more obvious at this angle, but she didn't care. "Never gonna happen House, you wouldn't last through second." She stood back up and smirked down at him.
Sam's eyes widened at the interaction. Any notions she'd had, of sexual flirtation with her boss being inappropriate, had just been labeled pointless. Everything about her boss seemed to ooze sexual prowess. Her sexuality didn't make her any less fearful either. This was a woman who knew what she wanted and how to get it.
"Now be a good boy and go do your clinic hours," Cuddy said, mockingly sweet. Letting go of his jaw, she patted his cheek a little rougher than necessary. Her eyes dared him to challenge her. She saw the change in his manner, as he realized today was not a day to fuck with Lisa Cuddy.
"Fine," he sighed dramatically, rubbing his cheek. "I'll have to fill you in on all of her pet peeves later." He winked at Sam, grinning at her, as he left. "But watch out," he called over his shoulder, "Mommy likes to punish." He gestured towards his injured cheek, as proof.
Sam chocked a little on her drink, eyes widening and blushing furiously. She knew there was no way that Cuddy could possibly know the weight of that statement. Nonetheless, she could feel her embarrassment swelling. She had always had a thing for maternal figures and she had always liked to please them. However, sometimes it was just as much fun when you made them mad.
Cuddy didn't notice the girl's reaction. She shook her head and sat down in the seat he had just vacated. "Sorry about House, he's …" she paused, thinking. She understood House, but that did not mean he was easy to explain to other people.
Sam regained a little of her lost confidence. This was a subject she was more than comfortable talking about. "…The biggest pain in the ass, but one of the most brilliant doctors ever? A total ass, but still manages to care about people even though he hides it well."
Cuddy looked a little shocked, "Are you always that good at reading people?" As she rested her chin in her hand, she tilted her head sideways and smiled in awe. She was intrigued by her new assistant, more so, than when House had told her to fire Sam.
The younger woman laughed, slowly starting to loosen back up. "Only when I've known them as long as I've known Greg," she replied, with a sly smile. She couldn't help, but think how cute Cuddy looked. She was relaxed and intrigued and it was easy to see why people gravitated towards her.
"I didn't realize you two knew each other." Cuddy was now beyond curious. She had a million questions she wanted to ask both the girl, and house. He had a friend? Other than Wilson? All thoughts of work, slipped from her head. She planned to spend at least a few moments indulging in gossip.
"It won't be a problem," Sam assured. "If you're tallying how much trouble he's going to cause, don't worry. I've known Greg most of my life." She tried to ignore the flutter in her stomach, as Cuddy's smoky-grey eyes focused solely on her. Sam had to remind herself that, the only reason she had Cuddy's attention was House. Their sexual magnetism had been more than obvious.
The older woman arched an eyebrow in question. She had started to suspect that they had met before, but she hadn't realized how long. Sam had probably known him for about the same amount of time that she had.
"He was friends with my parents. I went through some stages and he was the only one I would talk to about things. He's been like a big brother to me at times. He may be an ass, but he's always been there."
Cuddy looked at the girl incredulously. "You seemed sane when I hired you?" she questioned, only half teasing. She knew all about his loyalty. Even though he didn't often show it, she knew better than most that it was there.
"Well, I see a different side of Greg than what most people see. At least, he sees a different side of me," she offered as explanation. Getting lost in her own thoughts, she missed the look of understanding that washed over Cuddy's features.
Cuddy noticed Sam sounded a bit sad during that last bit. "Oh I'm sure you don't have all that much to hide," she smiled warmly, already feeling fondly towards the younger woman. In a weird way, Sam reminded Cuddy of herself.
Sam smiled softly, "Everyone's damaged it's just a matter of who's looking." This conversation had turned far more intimate, than she had wanted. House was supposed to be a safe topic, not something they would get melancholy and emotional about.
"Well," Cuddy spoke as she stood to leave, trying to lighten the girls' disheartened mood, "If you can handle House, I think you'll be able to handle anything else that comes your way. But just in case, my door's always open, if you need to talk." She hated to run off, but her own emotions were beginning to catch up to her. She squeezed the younger woman's shoulder reassuringly, as she left.