One For the Team

One For the Team

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own House. Italics are the character's thoughts.

He's lying.

Wilson's teary eyes emitted nothing but sorrow masked in rage. House tried his best to return the gaze. Any look he bestowed to Wilson was taken the wrong way. He thinks I'm lying.

House struggled against Cuddy to sit up. He could feel the slightest pressure of her hands against his bruised chest.

"House, please, take it easy."

House pulled himself up and stared into Wilson's eyes. "Go to her."

Whatever rage dwelled in his being and against who didn't matter at this time. Take care of Semantics later…didn't House tell me something like that while under hypnosis?

Wilson stood up while the rest of the bus cleared a path for him. There was no word …no mention of goodbye. House closed his tired blue eyes. This is the first of many I fear….

"Alright, enough drama. Shouldn't you people be working?"

Cuddy's voice hurt House's head but he didn't care. He let his head fall back to the floor as he gazed up into her face. Flashes of her strip tease played back in his mind… any distraction will do…He allowed a small smile to grace his lips.

Cuddy kept her eyes on the nurses and doctors exiting the bus. She could feel her heart pounding all the while as the shock reeled in. What the hell just happened here? She turned to gaze at the constant cause of her beating heart. His eyes were closed. She saw his boyish smile and pushed a strain of dark hair behind her ear. She reached up absentmindedly caressing his cheek. His grin grew larger.

"You really scared us." You really scared me.

House opened his eyes. There were so sad even though his smile. Cuddy could only imagine what he had witnessed. So much pain for one man to take in his life….more than he will ever let on.

House waggled his eyebrows seductively at Cuddy. "Finally alone are we Cuddles. The things I have to say and do to get some peace and quiet around here." Cuddy gave him a stern look. House started to pull himself up as Cuddy pushed him back down. Too opposing pressures can only end one way. House braced his head for impact but it never came. Cuddy braced his fall with a gentle hand. In the tug of war, she had lost. Cuddy was inches from House's face. Her body was lying on top of his chest. She began to squirm when he winced ever so slightly. She realized that the bruising he had endured from Wilson's pounding fists was hurting more than he let on yet he wouldn't let her go. His breath felt warm and God his eyes….my biggest weakness….His hand is reaching up to me. House's features softened as he allowed his hand to run through Cuddy's curls

"Thank you," His voice was so soft as he looked into her. He swallowed hard. I can barely say it above a whisper.

Now it was Cuddy's turn to smile. "You're welcome." He turned his head away and Cuddy knew the moment had ended. She sighed and backed off. I am always pulling away because that is what you want….isn't it?

With an outstretched hand and a welcoming arm, Cuddy helped House to his feet.

"Since you're so grateful to me for saving your life, swear to me that you will never pull a stunt like that again."

House ran his slender fingers over his rumpled jacket smoothing out intentional wrinkles.

"I wasn't thanking you for saving my life. I was thanking you for the strip tease you gave me earlier. "

With a chuckle and a push to the side Cuddy was left on her own. One can only wonder with that man.

House took careful steps off the bus. The bus of horrors in more ways than one…. He breathed a sigh. Hell I can breathe….I should be grateful to be able to breathe at all. He tried his best to relax. Being so close to Cuddy had woken him up in more ways than one. He owed her more than he could ever repay. He owed her his life. He felt another arm slip into his. He damned his own weakness but he knew he needed help The two began the walk to the hospital.

Cuddy deliberately took it slow which only seemed to irritate House. further

"Last time I checked Cuddy I didn't have a shell on my back."

Cuddy grinned feigning happiness for his sake and mine. "I just want you to be careful."

House gave a mock laugh "Me? I laugh in the face of danger. HAHA! "

House kept his gaze on Cuddy as he tried to be humorous. God she was beautiful she can't know the fear…the pain…no one can. Maybe it was the action of trying to protect himself or just the need for release but House began to feel his body betray him again. Panic began to fill his mind and he felt his chest tighten in response. Cuddy looked over to him and noticed his breaths quickening.

"House? House are you Ok?" House tried to nod, but at the same time a cramp came up in his leg causing him to drop to his knee in the middle of the parking lot.

"Oh, God." He bit his lip as the pain seared through his thigh. Flashes of Amber's fresh pain made him bite his lip even harder. Amber… why do I care? Why was she with me?

"House…" He looked into Cuddy's eyes. Cuddy hasn't left yet. Maybe when she finds out what I did…when I find out what I did…could change everything.

He nodded avoiding her intense gaze. Do not pity me. I deserve no compassion especially from you. He pulled his leg up with all of his might to stand erect. Like a true man…a whole man… one who is worthy….

House's relaxed his breathing. The attack had subsided. What is becoming of me?

"A panic attack?" House licked his lips and said nothing. He didn't have to. Her expression was enough. He flinched at the touch of her hand in his and she backed off. I am always pulling away from her…is it what she wants?

"Let's get the hell out of here." For once Cuddy had to agree with him as she helped him to her car.

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While it is highly unusual for me to post two chapters the same day, here it is. Hope you enjoy!

Up next Wilson and House confront each other.