I don't think any of you realize just how much stress you all put on me by begging for me to continue this :) After two months of fighting with myself.. this is what i came up with. I hope you all enjoy, and the next chapter will not take as long to be posted. Anyways, reviews are love and i love you all!!
The morning sun bathed tender flesh and warmed a wounded soul. It sent an afterglow full of chastity onto an innocent being. The glorious light gave sight and joy to a woman lying contently beside her life's only reason.
She knew nothing but him.
The most beautiful creature in the world slept, basking in the sun. His unconscious expression was not peaceful, but content. He lay on his stomach, face scrunched into a pillow, and the pout of his lips looking childish and adorable. His brow was wrinkled as though he were deep in thought. Even in sleep, his brain was assembling, dissecting, and diagnosing in the fascinating way it did. A powerful, protective hand rested between the woman's shoulder blades, holding her to him.
Cuddy watched him without worry or fear. The events of the previous evening seemed far away and unreal with this day's new beginning. She dismissed the soreness of her body due to the happiness of waking up with a companion. Having been lonely for so many years, the doctor resting beside her was a welcomed guest in her bed. She couldn't see the dried blood, nor the bruises on her face and body. She could only feel the giddiness bubbling up inside her.
She was anticipating the moment House awoke from his slumber. He was the purpose of her entire existence. Cuddy wanted nothing but to curl up against him, and hear his voice. The memory of his arms around her was embedded so deeply within her head; she wouldn't ever be able to forget it. A longing need to once again feel him surrounding her every sense, captivated her.
She waited patiently, however. The man needed his rest, and she was fully prepared to give him whatever he wanted. He deserved nothing less.
Gregory House was her savior and her protector. He was her subordinate and her superior. He was her husband and her father. He was everything she needed.
The fluttering of House's eyelids interrupted her thoughts, and sent a lazy smile to her face. The hand warming her upper back tightened its grip as he blinked away the blackness. She watched as the sunlight reflected off of his crystal blue eyes and danced liked diamonds across the room.
He felt so warm and peaceful, he fought to remain asleep. For the first time in quite a while, he had managed to sleep the majority of the night. Not once did he leave the bed's comfort to pace back and forth or down a couple of Vicodin. Even after waking, the insomniac did not panic and jolt up from his restful position. He wasn't frightened by the lack of pain in his leg or absence of a hangover. He was currently holding onto his most precious possession.
He was immediately aware of the happy aura surrounding her, but was not quick to trust it. Whether or not her mood swings had come to an end still needed to be determined. Last night she had looked to him for everything. He was unsure of any changes.
"Hey." His voice, husked with sleep, was even more masculine and powerful than usual. Despite the cautious greeting, he was still a figure of a higher power within her world.
"Hi." Cuddy's eyes sparkled with enjoyment as she was finally able to speak to him. Her face turned a light shade of pink as a dopey smile spread across her embarrassed face. She turned her head further into the bed's pillows as she watched him observe her.
The woman's actions were of absolute, childish innocence. In every sense of the phrase, she was 'as cute as a button.' However, the sight still pained House to see. This was not Cuddy.
Yes, his Dean of Medicine was insecure, but never did she let this fact be known. It was only him who could see the true feelings that lay beneath her perfect posture and pronounced strut. Cuddy did not blush. Her pride wouldn't allow it. She didn't hide her face and giggle.
It simply wasn't her.
She was ignoring her pain. Much like he does, she was refusing to deal with her hurt and focusing on anything but herself. His puzzles were his distraction, he was hers.
Clearing his throat, abruptly, the Diagnostician lost his train of thought. Cuddy was curiously picking the calluses of his right hand. His internal white board was erased with the feel of her small fingers caressing the rough skin created by his cane. She was too beautiful to analyze.
"How are you feeling?"
Her eyes lifted to meet his, with the same lazy, content smile he woke up to, complimenting their beauty. She was positively beaming. Having his company was making this moment one of the greatest moments of her life. His presence numbed all of her senses in a pleasurable high.
"I'm okay." She shifted her body to close the short distance between them. His open arms wrapped around her with so much welcome, her eyes nearly watered. She was home.
"That's good." House buried his nose into her hair as she curled herself around his body like a vine. Her cheerful mood was disturbing, but he considered it better than her shocked, frightened state of the night before. His selfish nature pushed aside her condition, and enabled him to relish in the feeling of her beside him. For once, he had woken up to more than an empty apartment and a scorching pain. In this instance, he was neither alone nor in agony. This was as close to heaven as he'd ever be.
A married couple couldn't have had a more intimate moment. The silence wasn't in the least bit awkward. Both man and woman were fully content to simply lie in each other's arm for the remainder of the day. Everything was perfect. Their hands held all they needed in life. Of course, even utopia couldn't stop the mind of Dr. Gregory House.
"Do you remember what we have to do today?" He spoke very softly. She didn't appear to be frightened but he was still unsure of her state of mind.
A small shake of her head answered him. The reminder of what lay ahead dampened her morning bliss only slightly. He had said we. Her savior did not plan to leave her anytime soon.
"I'm…" She hesitated to express herself. The feelings in which she wished to share with him were in such a twisted knot, she was unsure of how to detangle them. She watched her fingers explore his hand while he waited patiently. Her internal conflict was of questioning. She didn't understand what was happening to her.
Interrupting her mental dispute, House whispered, "I know. It's okay." He brought his face down to caress her cheek. A faint smile spread across his closed lips. 'Okay I'm pushing it now.' He was aware of how selfish he was being; taking advantage of such a tragic situation. He couldn't help, but act as though nothing had happened the night before. He was caught up in the feeling of her beside him. She was senseless as to what he was doing, and that was wrong. She was yet to comprehend his actions.
He understood that his presence was only temporary. He would no longer be needed once she was strong enough. Their current situation would eventually come to an end. Only presently, he was taking advantage of her warm body and soul. Her weakness was giving him pleasure. 'I'm pathetic.' The smile he wore disappeared.
It was then that a dreadful sound rang throughout the room. It seemed to House, the noise would always bring forth a feeling of anxiety. He would never ignore the dreadful siren again. So much change could occur due to a telephone. Cuddy wasn't the only one scarred by the previous night's events.
Reaching back to secure the devise in his hand, House rolled his eyes at the sight of Wilson's name on the caller I.D. The man had a gift for ruining his precious moments with Cuddy. He was hell bent on pushing the two together, yet always seemed in the way whenever they chose to take a step forward. It was the universe's twisted way of torturing the romantic Oncologist. An irritated grunt was the greeting House sent over the phone.
"I know it's a little early, but I'm here." The obnoxious, genuine smile could be heard over the phone. House rolled his eyes.
"Why? You said -"
"I know, but I figured it'd be better for her to get some energy before she goes down to the station. I didn't want her to get upset and then not eat afterwards. She has to eat, House." Wow, not even a full day of their friendship being improved, and he was already bossing the drug addict around. Why was it that they were friends? Oh yes, Wilson was House's conscience!
"I know! God, I'm not completely useless. I am aware of the necessities of life, Dr. Wilson." He glanced at the woman nuzzling her nose into his collarbone. She was his necessity.
"Whatever you say, Dr. House. Now, come open the door." The Oncologist was becoming impatient.
"I'm not going anywhere, use my key hidden under the flower pot." He ignored the feel of Cuddy's mouth forming a smile against his shoulder. In her eyes, everything was his.
"What? House! I'm carrying grocery-"
An exasperated Wilson was the last thing House heard before disconnecting the line. A dry chuckle left his throat. The return of Watson came at Irene's darkest hour. It seemed as though Sherlock was destined to be miserable. Delicately cupping her cheek with his hand, the sentence he prepared to say died on his lips as his eyes met hers. Never before had anyone looked at him so lovingly. The unique mixture of colors of her eyes were filled with so much emotion, he became speechless. It was inevitable for him to fight the urge of becoming attached. He was already past the point of no return.
"I'm gonna go let Wilson in. Be right back." She smiled when he stroked his thumb one more time over her cheek before leaving the bed. All was well so long as he returned.
Cuddy painfully, shifted herself into a sitting position. His absence reminded her wounded body of its sore muscles and stitched gash. She remembered every little gory detail of what happened to her. She simply chose to ignore it. 'What's done is done.' The process of rehabilitation would be difficult, but somewhere, deep within her, the old, independent Cuddy was screaming for her to keeping moving forward. Defeat was unacceptable.
She listened to faint mumbling at the entrance of her house. The shuffling of grocery bags could be heard, along with House's cane. The distant sound of a prescription bottle rattling also echoed from down the hall. She loved the noises. They were evidence of someone else within her home. The loner Endocrinologist no longer wanted to be alone.
However, it wasn't long before she was cringing at the presence of her guests. Pots and pans were crashing around her kitchen. Between House and Wilson, God help her with the mess that was sure to be left after breakfast. She snorted at the thought, and felt a girlish smile light up her face at the sight of House limping into the bedroom, cane and blue backpack in hand.
She reached her hands out to grab onto his shirt as he tossed both objects onto the bed. He sat, allowing Cuddy to sit up on her knees, and playfully, wrap her arms around his neck. He smiled at her welcome, and leaned back into her embrace. His fingers gently grabbed hold of the ebony curls at the back of her head, and pressed her cheek against his. The feel of her skin against his was intoxicating. Both he and she felt the electricity souring between. It was meant to be.
"Wilson brought you some stuff?" She mumbled her words into his shoulder.
"Mhm." House's eyes snapped open as he heard the satisfied moan his throat created. What the hell was wrong with him? The woman had been raped less than twelve hours ago, and here he was divulging in her weakness. Her soft lips had massaged the material of his shirt, and sent a wonderful sensation surging throughout his body. She didn't realize what she was doing to him. House cleared his throat and thanked whoever was looking out for him; she hadn't noticed his dilemma.
"I'm gonna go take a shower, if that's okay with you." She giggled at his seeking of permission. There wasn't anything he couldn't do. Shaking her head with an approval, Cuddy released him from her arms, and sat back against her pillow.
"Wilson's starting breakfast. You could wait with him while I shower," he paused to focus his serious stare on her eyes, "if you're ready."
She didn't miss the hopeful sound of his voice. She wasn't ready. She didn't want to walk down her hallway, alone, and greet her Head of Oncology. She wanted to wait patiently for his return. However, he wanted the opposite, and she would make him proud.
"Yeah, sure." Still completely oblivious to her inner conflict, House smiled at her improvement.
"Okay." He stood and slung his backpack over his shoulder before bending down and placing a chaste kiss to the side of her head. "I'll only be a few minutes."
Her eyes followed his uneven gate until he disappeared behind the bathroom door. She gulped down her anxiety, and took a deep breath. He would return shortly, everything was fine.
Cuddy gently pressed her feet to the floor, and stood cautiously. Everything felt duel and heavy with House's absence. Her first step corresponded with the sound of the shower being turned on. Even away from her, he was guiding her.
She walked the silent distance of the hallway hesitantly. The entry of her kitchen was within her reach when she paused her progress. Delightful sounds and smells came from the other room. There was nothing to fear. Her best friend was here to wait hand and foot on her. He was here to support and help her. James Wilson would never hurt anyone, especially her. The logical mind within her head was repeating these facts, but, her stomach remained constricted in a nervous knot. 'Come on Lisa, pull yourself together!' Again, Administrator Cuddy was yelling, begging to be released.
Two small steps was all it took for her to be occupying the same room as her most trusted employee. He faced away from her, flipping a pancake and scrambling some eggs, while the scent of coffee filled the room. Had there not been another man in her shower, she may have fallen in love with Wilson right then and there. Perfect was the only word she could think of to describe the morning.
He was on complete auto-pilot. He didn't hear Cuddy's pedder-patter footsteps, nor the deep breath she took before greeting him. So much was on his mind. He'd been distant and cruel the past few months. He acted in ways he always told his mourning patients to avoid at all costs. He blamed others for life's inevitable truths. He'd abandoned his friend, and disappointed his boss. Now, he had to make things right.
"Good Morning, Wilson."
Wilson nearly died. The doctor turned around with so much force, he saw Cuddy take a step backwards at his sudden outburst. With a hand over his heart, he laughed, "My God, you scared me."
She stood like a ghost in front of him. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was parted. She hadn't expected him to act so off guard. She didn't see why any human being would. After last night, she knew she would always be on high alert.
" I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
"It's okay," he continued to chuckle, a nervous habit of his. "I spaced out. How are you?" His eyes tore themselves away from her battered skin to watch the way her grey orbs refused to meet his. It was sad to see her so conflicted. He could tell by the urgency in her voice, she was struggling to speak. He had never considered himself intimidating, but she was, clearly, uncomfortable.
"I'm alright," she offered a crooked smile."Thank you for all of this. It smells lovely."
Wilson sent her his Prince Charming smile, and watched her tensions ease. "Don't mention it. Everything should be done in a few minutes. Would you like some coffee?"
Finally, she raised her line of vision to see his handsome face. "Please," was her only response.
Her answer suited him just fine. He quickly got to work in preparing the beverage. Cuddy needed time. He understood that. After all he'd been through; no one understood the process of healing more than he did.
She didn't move. Her brain ordered her body to act casually. She wanted to sit down, and catch up with her friend, but was unable to. Instead, she stood frozen in the middle of the kitchen, and watched his every move. The man was harmless, of that House, her world, was absolutely positive. And yet she held her breath in preparation for his betrayal. A wolf in sheep's clothing was the most dangerous predator.
Wilson noticed her dilemma as he finished stirring her drink. Pity-filled eyes caressed her submissive features. He slowed all of his movements to appear less daunting. Placing her coffee mug onto the countertop, he pulled out a stool. A pleading stare was his only invitation. Words were useless. Nothing he could say would gain her trust. The sincerity in his gaze and honest actions were all that could rekindle their friendship.
Cuddy accepted his offer, and allowed him to push in the seat once she had sat down. Minoring in psychology became useful in situations like this for Wilson. He had the knowledge of remaining by her side rather than facing her. He wanted her to realize that he was her ally and not her enemy.
"Listen, Cuddy. I know after last night you really can't find any reason to confine in me, but I would never-"
"I know." She cringed at the way she cut him off. She hadn't meant to.
Wilson smiled. Cuddy wasn't ever rude, but she did tend to stop his rambling speeches when he tried to comfort her. His boss was hidden in there somewhere.
"I'm sorry. I just-"
"It's okay," he took her left hand in both of his. The Dean of Medicine watched the action curiously. "I'm your friend, Lisa. I know you're going to need some time, and that's completely fine. I'll be here when you're ready."
Cuddy couldn't stop the smile from forming on her face. She gently squeezed his hands, and glanced up into his boyish features. "Thanks, Wilson."
He nodded with a smirk, and returned to preparing their food. He felt confident in the way he handled their first encounter after… he shook the memory away. Neither one of them spoke again until House returned from his shower.
"Good morning Jimmy! It's always nice to see you demonstrating those house wife talents of yours."
"Shut up, House, and set the table." The Oncologist rolled his eyes at House's antiques. They hadn't spoken in months, and, without an apology, his crippled buddy was already acting like his girlfriend wasn't dead.
"Oh, my favorite!" House had a handful of bacon before Wilson could even verbally protest.
"Would you stop?" Pushing the genius away, Wilson gave up on receiving a helping hand. House was House. Apparently, Cuddy found their interaction amusing because she was giggling quietly. He noticed, however, that her eyes never left House.
Like a baby watching her parent from a high chair, Cuddy followed his every movement. Wilson felt a small smile tug at his lips. At least she had someone.
It wasn't a minute later until they we all sitting and eating happily. It was nice to have the opportunity to just be themselves, no matter how terrible the cause was. For the first time since Amber's death, the three of them were acting normally. House and Wilson bantered playfully while Cuddy remained somewhat quiet. She enjoyed watching them interact. It was amusing. The trio's conversations were light hearted; each of them not wanting to upset one of the other's recent troubles. It came to no surprise that as time passed; Cuddy was the first to withdraw herself from the content state. She knew the inevitable was coming. Nothing could stop what she was going to have to do. There was nothing that could allow her to be absent in their journey to the Police Station.
House and Wilson's eyes met for a mere moment after Cuddy excused herself from the table. Their shared look was an instant, silent conversation. How the hell were they going to fix this? Each of them was mentally preparing themselves for what was to come.
Quite, easy chatter was what filled the room. They knew she could hear every word they spoke. She needed to be taken care of. She needed to feel secure and protected. Hearing their insecurities would not have done her any good. Both doctors needed to remain calm and assertive. Cuddy was depending on it.
Minutes passed without any sign of her. Wilson was oblivious to the problem that was arising. He had taken his boss out to dinner quite a few times; waiting was always part of the plan. She was a woman after all. House, on the other hand, was becoming more and more nervous by the second. He wished to be with her at all times. The only reason he had allowed himself to remain at the table was because of the fact she was changing. Now, he was regretting the decision.
"I'm gonna go check on her." He cut Wilson off mid sentence.
"House…" The Oncologist audibly exhaled. He didn't want his pushy friend overwhelming the most important woman in both of their lives. "She's getting ready. Give her some time."
House looked Wilson dead in the eyes as he pondered his options. The decision was made quickly. His own selfish reasons persuaded his judgment, and sent him limping down the hall. The distance between them was too great. He needed to be with her.
Knocking softly on the half open bedroom door, he called to her, "Cuddy?"
When he didn't receive an answer, panic rushed through his system, and made him surge through the doorway.
Lisa Cuddy stood facing a full length mirror. Her body wore nothing but a bra and panties. She ignored House's request to enter the room, and was unmoved by his overreaction. Her eyes were transfixed on the glass before her. She couldn't even recognize herself. Too much of her dignity has been stripped away. The mirror's reflection was evidence of her failure. Bruises and cuts covered her body for everyone to see.
Her employee came up behind her, watching her frozen appearance through the mirror. He stood so closely behind her, she could feel the warmth radiating off of him. Her eyes never left her face as his hands gently cupped the delicate curves of her hips. Moisture clung to the brim of her eyes at the gesture.
House lowered his head at the sight of her unshed tears. Thousands of compliments rested on his lips. He wanted to tell her how strong she was. He wanted her to understand her attacker's advantage, and realize that she couldn't have done anything to stop him. He wanted her to recognize her beauty. None of these things were said. His mouth simply hovered above her ear before pressing his lips to the only undamaged part of her body. The act wasn't a kiss, just an act of comfort. It was all he could offer.
Cuddy took a deep breath, and turned around. Her eyes thanked his silent demeanor as she moved to read for a few items of clothing she had previously thrown onto the bed. Her sore muscles made the task incredibly difficult until House helped to dress her. He was careful to never touch inappropriately while making sure she didn't ever strain herself.
He took great care in keeping his eyes on her face. Guilt washed over him as memories of a rough fantasy filled his mind. How could he have ever thought of handling her in a way less gently than this? She held onto his broad shoulders when he kneeled to assist her in putting on her jeans, even going as far as putting on her socks and tying her sneakers.
House stood, painfully, and pulled Cuddy into a loose hug. "You're going to be alright."
The corners of her mouth twitched as a form of a smile. She nodded her head in agreement, and quietly thanked him for his reassurance. He had already seen her in all of her stripped glory. She couldn't be embarrassed; too much confliction clouded her mind.
"You have nothing to be ashamed of." As usual, he knew exactly what was on her mind. She stared helplessly at his chest while he cupped her face with his hands. She was grateful that he didn't force her to meet his gaze. She couldn't handle seeing the electricity in his powerful orbs. House simply whispered to her lowered face, "You know that right?"
The diagnostician heard her swallowed the lump in her throat before, carefully, stepping out of his grasp. "I'm gonna go freshen up in the bathroom. Be right back."
He knew that was her way of asking him for some space. She felt weak, being taken care of by him. He was sure of it. Cuddy had never like being babied. She was too proud to accept help from anyone. Realizing that things had changed and she did need to be helped. She needed him. It was a fact that she was going to have to come to terms with, and he was going to have to control the pride that swelled within him every time he thought of it.
House followed her, despite her want of space. Her condition, obviously, did not grant her that freedom quite yet. His only free is that she may hurt herself. He couldn't let anything else happen to her. Living would be pointless if something did. Watching her quietly from the bathroom's entrance made him feel more at ease, she had her space and he could be aware of her safety.
Cuddy brushed her teeth while staring at the antique basket on the sink's countertop. Expensive makeup was overflowing the weaved contraption. She wondered how much of her disgrace she could hide with the cosmetics. After rinsing her mouth of all minty paste, she reached for the basket. Her hand was softly pulled away, however.
"You don't need any of that." He spoke as quietly as he could. This was the first time he'd tell her she couldn't do or have something. He hated himself for denying her; regardless if it was the greater good or not.
"House-"
"You're perfect." He cut off her argument with the compliment. She had to know how he felt. She had to know the truth. Leading her back into the bedroom, House recognized the next step of her recovery that they were about to take. Its importance was undeniable. Even Cuddy had become rather depressed at the thought of the Police Station. She was just minutes away from confirming that her nightmare was, indeed, a reality.
Cuddy covered her fitted, navy t-shirt with a sweater of the same color. She had developed a sudden chill since leaving the breakfast table. Her hand immediately slipped back into House's after dressing. She felt an odd calmness whenever he engulfed her small hand with his. It was like she belonged to him. The psychology of it was most likely warped, but she couldn't have cared less. She adored it.
The mad their way through Cuddy's house to see Wilson had already tidied up the place. He stood at the front door with his car keys in one hand and House's leather jacket in the other.
"You guys ready?" He asked the couple before him. Wilson watched as House and Cuddy exchanged an affectionate glance. It was like they we're speaking telepathically. His admiring gaze turned into annoyed frown when he saw a cocky smirk make its way onto House's face before turning to look at his friend.
"Aren't we always?"
The man did have a point.
