Hours (though it feels more like years) later, the tests confirm what you already knew. Another infarction had killed what remained of his thigh muscle and a good percentage of his calf. Cuddy goes over the options with you but you know the reality. The muscle death is too great. The leg is totally useless and a bypass is out of the question. His only good chance of survival is amputation. The word hits you like a slap in the face. You know House could deal with being a cripple but an amputee? You might as well let him die.

Cuddy explains to you about how he can learn to use a prosthetic but you don't hear it. 'House does not want his leg cut off,' your mind screams. 'He made that clear the first time!' Lisa stares at you sympathetically and you think she wants you to make a decision.

And what a decision it is. Option A; let him keep his leg and watch him slowly die but keep him from pushing you away or Option B; cut the leg off, forcing him to be an amputee and risk him pushing you away for good. Tears flood your eyes and somewhere in the back of your mind you hear Greg mocking you for being such a crybaby.

"I can't do it." You cry. Lisa lays a hand on your arm.

"I know, you don't have to." You look up at her, surprise replacing the tears.

"What?"

"You're not his medical proxy, James, I am." Your expression doesn't change so she goes on. "When you two became serious, House realized that if anything like this were to happen again, he didn't want you to have to make this decision."

Your shoulders shake with heavy sobs because you know that House really does love you.