It had been three weeks since Cuddy had offered House his job back and yet nothing had changed. The diagnostician would come in just in time to teach his class then when school was no longer in session he would simply head home without saying a word to anyone.

Cuddy wasn't upset nor was she surprised. The dean of medicine knew it had been a blessing to have House back at the hospital at all but still, how long would she have to wait to get an answer from him? How hard of a decision could this be? Then, a thought struck her. What if this was his way of telling her indirectly? What if he head already made up his mind?

"House doesn't want the job."

Even though this was a definite possibility Cuddy decided to ignore the warning signs being sent to her and headed over to the lecture hall to find the answers she was looking for.

*************************************************************

Meanwhile, in a now empty lecture hall, House sat at the piano, tracing his fingers a long the keys while continuing to think. He was grateful for the solitude of the room, at a time like this, at a time of cross roads in his life the more silence the better. Yet, somewhere in the vast caverns of his mind, House's subconscious reared its ugly head.

What are you so afraid of? Nothing. Right. That's why you haven't decided to accept Cuddy's offer or not. Face it. Your not fooling anyone. We all know what's going on. We? what are you talking about? Your making less sense then usual. That may be true but, I'm not the one whose talking to himself.

This was something House hated. Ever since the incident the diagnostician couldn't get the voices in his head to stop spoon feeding him the truth.

"What are you still doing here? Class got out hours ago." Looking up to see Cuddy standing at the top of the stairs, shooting him a glare that meant 'we need to talk' House sighed to himself while gesturing for Lisa to come join him at the piano.

"I know why you're here."

"We need to talk."

"Obviously."

As she walked towards him, Cuddy could tell something was on House's mind she only hoped it was the same thing that was on hers. The dean of medicine decided she would start slow as she had a seat next to House and began…

"Its been three weeks…"

"It has."

"I need an answer."

"You do."

The way House answered her questions in two word phrases was beginning to get to Cuddy. Lisa had known this man for a long time but she had never seen House act so…so, passive yet cooperative. Why was he doing this? Had six years changed him that much? Before Cuddy could voice her concern she was interrupted by the sound of wood to concrete as House threw his cane to the ground and got to his feet.

"Its been six years…"

"I know."

"If the same thing happens again."

"It won't."

That's when House shot Cuddy a glare. Not one of hate and loathing but of concern and insecurity which was only masked by that very familiar far off gaze.

"How do you know?"

In truth, Cuddy didn't know. She only hoped and hope can be a very valuable tool when used to one's advantage.

"Because…I know you."

Hearing this came as a shock to House. He didn't even know himself anymore how could Cuddy be so sure? How could she see through him like this?

She always could before.

"Right."

Cuddy placed a comforting hand over House's hand which the diagnostician pretended not to notice while turning around to pick up his cane.

"House."

"What?"

"Your doing the right thing."

"(sigh) At least one of us is sure."

As this was said, House limped towards the door while Cuddy watched from the piano. When he reached the handle the diagnostician turned to face the dean of medicine while wearing his signature smirk.

"Doctor Cuddy?"

"Yes, Doctor House?"

"Tomorrow…wear something filmy."

(So, what does everyone think? As always your reviews are very much appreciated. Thank you sincerely and there will be more to come soon.)