This chapter is dedicated to looooooosingmaiimind! Without her, it probably would've taken me at least another three weeks to finish. Thanks, girl! XOXO
The ride to the Police Station was an eerie one. House and Wilson conversed quietly in the front seat while Cuddy remained completely silent in the back. It became apparent to both male doctors that their boss was, literally, one incident away from a breakdown. She sat behind the House occupied, passenger seat, and held onto his elbow. Never once did she break the contact, nor lift her head from its resting place on the back of House's headrest.
The sight was frightening. It was scary for them to see the woman in their lives in so much pain. She'd always been the one to care for them. Never was she the weak leak in their triangular assembly. Both House and Wilson became actors as they drove to her unavoidable fate. They were pretending to evade the inevitable, and take their audience's mind off of the real matter at hand. Judging by Cuddy's inexistent reaction, they were failing.
Even with Wilson's faithfulness to the city's speed limits, they arrived at their destination in just under twenty minutes. It was the only amount of time since the assault that seemed to fly by. Everything up until that car ride had seemed like eternity. Now, it appeared as though the clocks had sped ahead, and forced their boss to enter purgatory.
House, despite his injury, was the first to exit the car. The Oncologist took a brief moment to collect his thoughts and take a deep breath before doing the same. This was it. This could make or break her. This was the reason why he and House had decided to put all of their differences aside, and join together, once again. She needed them, now, more than ever. He gulped at the sight of House being a gentleman and opening the car door for her. It was odd for him to be acting like this. To think all these months he'd been wishing to see a change in his best friend. Now all he wanted was for things to go back to the way they were. He wanted Amber to be alive. He wanted House to be obnoxious. And he wanted his boss to smile. But like the most accurate quote of all time, you can't always get what you want.
It pained Cuddy to have to exit the car. Both mentally and physically, her body protested to moving towards the hell that awaited her. She flew into House's arms the moment her door was opened. He stumbled to find his uneven footing at her sudden burst of energy, but she didn't care. He was all that was holding her together. The Dean of Medicine wished for nothing more than to curl up into his lap and never leave. With the feeling of his arms returning her affection, she realized just what she'd been depriving herself for nearly twenty years. The security he offered her was incomparable to anything she had ever felt. It was like all of her fears vanished as soon as he captured her in his presence.
Like two guard dogs, the men walked on either side of Cuddy. The cripple limped with his cane supporting his right side, while his left was being deprived of circulation with the way his boss was squeezing it so tightly. The other doctor walked hesitantly as the woman's left flank. Not ever wanting to startle her, he watched the couple out of the corner of his eye. The three of them entered the station's main entrance, together. Not one was more superior than the other as they each, equally, supported their cause; all for one and one for all. This was what was left of them.
It was slightly frightening for House and Wilson to see how the Police Station mirrored the atmosphere of Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. People were everywhere. Phones were ringing just about every other second. Organized chaos was the only phrase either of them could think of to describe it. If Cuddy couldn't handle this, she wouldn't be able to handle the hospital, her hospital.
Their fears were very much justified. Their boss was having a more difficult time adjusting to this new environment more than just about anything in her life. All of sudden her vision had gone to black and white while her hearing became mute. Everything was too much for her. Her breathing quickened as her body tensed up. She needed an escape, and she needed it now.
Despite all of House's brilliant talents in the arts of deduction, it did not take a medical genius to realize just what the Endocrinologist was experiencing. He felt her panic in the trembling of her hand, and went to cure her, immediately. He had vowed to never let her suffer again, and, for once, he was going to stay true to his promise. With a knowing look to his friend, House escorted Cuddy to corner of the reception area, just right of the glass doors they'd enter from. He pulled her back against his chest and trapped her body to his by grasping her right shoulder with his cane-less hand, letting his forearm press up against her clavicle. His face rested against the side of her face, just behind her ear. She was protected, and she was safe.
"I've got you. You're alright." The whispered words went unnoticed by everyone but her. The individuals around them were too busy with their own problems to note the scared woman covered in bruises. It was almost comforting. Being alone with her savior was the only illusion strong enough to carry her through all of this. She leaned back into the wall of protection that was his torso as a quick kiss was placed on the soft skin just behind her ear. The reminder being that he would destroy anything brave enough to approach her, yet it was out of nothing but love. He was only dangerous to others, never to her.
The two of them became lost in their own little world as their friend made his way to the main desk, protected behind bullet proof glass. It amazed him how perfectly they fit together. He swore his friend had just avoided a disaster using his somewhat frightening amount of knowledge of their boss's body language. In less than a minute, the manipulative bastard had used genuine devotion to alleviate Cuddy's anxiety, and bring forth a level of stability for her. House was to take care of her, and he was to take care of everything else.
Watching Wilson, House probably would've chuckled had he not been so preoccupied with keeping Cuddy calm. The Oncologist was using all of his charming wiles to get Cuddy somewhere less intimidating. It was amazing how women reacted to him. Had House been any less content with his own masculinity, he would've been jealous of Wilson's ability. Even from across the room, he could see the policewoman's ice cold persona melt at whatever his friend was saying to her. The officer looked towards House and Cuddy, and offered him a merciful nod. It was obvious that Cuddy looked as fragile as she truly was. He could feel her shivering in his arms.
It wasn't two minutes later until Wilson was walking in their direction with, what appeared to be, a high rank Police Officer by his side. The man wore a simple suit with a gold badge attached at his hip, along with a gun. His powerful stride indicated his authority, but his face was nothing but gentle. It pleased the Diagnostician to see that they had not sent over a swollen headed rookie. Cuddy would more likely open up to the Santa Claus looking of a man approaching them, than some buffed up kid who mirrored her attacker's appearance. Though by the way she reached up to tightly grip his wrist, it was safe to say she wasn't exactly thrilled about this new man either. He squeezed her small body, slightly. Everything was going to be okay; eventually.
"Hello there. I'm Officer Walsh." The man did not extend his hand towards House. He did not acknowledge Wilson beside him. He was entirely focused on Cuddy. It wasn't in any way meant to scare her. He wanted to make sure she knew where he stood. He was as much on her side as House and Wilson were. Both doctors approved of the veteran officer's tactic.
"Hi." Cuddy was frightened, to say the least. This was too much for her. She needed to get back home. She wanted nothing but to return to the warmth of her own bed. Once again, it was House's soothing voice that eased her nerves.
"It's okay. I'm right here with you."
Wilson watched his friends' interaction closely. It was fascinating the way House handled Cuddy. It was like all of their chemistry and sexual tension had been converted over to care and compassion. The undeniable connection was still there, but without their cold fronts and harsh banter. Love had risen from this tragedy's ashes.
The group of four stood in the station's main entrance for only a few minutes time. Officer Walsh took extra care in explaining the statement process to Cuddy, and reassured her that it would not take too long. He gave her confidence in himself by describing his head position in the department of the Special Victims Unit. He and another officer would follow her through the case, and be taking care of all legal requirements. The disabled one of the foursome seemed pleased when the officer's obvious disgust for her attack became apparent when speaking of the matter. When the man finished informing Cuddy on everything she needed to know, he led them down a hallway and into an interrogation room.
"Okay, I know this is not exactly the most comforting room you've ever seen, but please pardon the appearance. This is in no way an interrogation. With things being so nutty around here today, I figured you'd rather talk in here."
"Yes, thank you." Her voice held more force now that they were away from the hectic atmosphere.
"You're very welcome. Now, I'm going to go grab my partner to formally take done the account. Normally, we wish to have the victim alone," he paused to look down where Cuddy's hand was grasping House's. "But because Dr. House was technically there directly after the assault, he is welcome to remain in the room, if you'd prefer."
The Dean of Medicine began nodding her head, frantically. "Yes, please. I need him with me."
Officer Walsh held his hands up in a motion that asked her to settle down. "That is perfectly fine, Dr. Cuddy. Whatever makes this easier for you'd fine with us." He bowed his head submissively to her calming form as he walked towards the door. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be right back."
House and Wilson exchanged content grins once the officer had exited the room; so far, so good.
"Alright well, I guess that my cue to get out of here. I'm gonna go wait in the car." Wilson seemed rather happy that he would get to skip over this part of the process. Like House the night before, he did not wish to hear the story in which Lisa Cuddy was destroyed.
The Oncologist was beyond surprised to see his boss step away from House. She looked almost nervously, excited as her hand slipped itself from House's and her body turned to face him. With her lower lip trapped between her teeth, Cuddy threw her arms around Wilson's neck and hugged him with all her might. An enormous smile spread across Wilson's face as he returned the affection. It was nice to have her back.
House watched the embrace fondly. He was happy that she'd finally warmed up to Wilson. It was a sure sign of her healing. Cuddy would get better. The only issue, now, was time. Her new comfort with Wilson was wonderful. He didn't think his friend could take her distant personality much longer. Wilson thrived on neediness. The fact that Cuddy was in the most vulnerable state possible, and not wanting him, must have been deadly to the Oncologist.
Wilson released Cuddy from their tight hug at the sight of House's longing eyes, watching them. The trust between them was understood. The drug addicted loner trusted his best friend more than anyone else in the world; with only one exception. That didn't mean he couldn't feel jealous, however. The two doctors in front of him had been dancing around each other for as long as he'd known them. It was to no surprise that House wanted her as close as possible, regardless of the circumstances. He welcomed the greediness in House's stare. After all of the turmoil that had occurred between himself and his friend, it was nice to see him acting so humanly.
"Thank you so much, Wilson." The smile on Cuddy's face was beaming. Her expression was no longer weary when looking at her employee. She felt better. She felt proud. She'd made it this far without a breakdown. Now all she had to do was tell the Police what happened, and then she could go home, with her guardian angel by her side.
"Anything for you, boss." He joked happily as she retreated back to House's side. His grin turned into a chuckle as his friend extended his hand to pinch the back of Cuddy's sweater with his thumb and index finger, pulling her to him. The couple was utterly adorable. They'd gone from sexually frustrated adults to cuddly teenagers.
His laughter didn't faze House, however. He was quite content with the way his arm had wrapped itself around Cuddy's waist. Things had changed since yesterday. As far as his feelings towards the woman he held, he didn't care who witnessed his affection. The world could be watching him, and he wouldn't have given it two thoughts. To him, she wasn't his boss anymore. Well, she was that, but she was also so much more. She was his everything. That was something he wouldn't ever hide.
Once his friend had left them to escape the horrors of what he would have to listen to, again, House hooked his cane onto a metal chair and began to, tenderly, massage Cuddy's shoulders. He heard her giggle at his mock warm up, and turned in his arms to childishly hug his midsection. She buried her face beneath his leather jacket, and warmed his skin with her breath. He could already feel himself getting used to the feeling.
"Listen, Cuddy." She looked up at him with concentrated eyes. "I know this is gonna sound crazy, but you need to tell the truth about everything to the police…" he paused, thinking of how she was going to react, "expect us."
Her brown frowned in complete confusion. "What do you mean about us?"
"I mean if they ask you why you decided to call me, you need to tell them that we've been seeing each other. Otherwise, they'll think I'm taking advantage of you." It was killing him to see the hurt in her eyes.
"But you're not taking advantage of me." She reached up to cup his face with her hands. Doubt filled his blue eyes as she lowered his face to hers. He had never looked so sad. "House, I know you'd never use this against me, and I'm not using this to get to you. I have nothing to hide. I love you just as much today as I did yesterday. No one can take that away from me."
His eyes glistened with emotion. She loved him. The three most powerful words anyone could say to someone were just spoken directly towards him. How long had it been since someone had said that to him? It seemed unimportant. Now that she'd declared her love for him, everyone else was disregarded. It was as though the words only sounded right when coming from her lips.
"Cuddy, I--"
"Don't say it now." She had pressed her thumb over his mouth to silence him. "I don't want to remember this place every time I think of the first time you said it to me."
House smiled. Now, here was his Cuddy. Here was the ridiculously organized and completely feminine woman who had managed to steal his heart sometime over the past twenty years. He wasn't exactly sure when it had been taken, but he definitely did not want it back. Last night had only been the realization that it was missing.
He would tell her though. The second they left this four walled room he was going to scream it at the top of his lungs. After all she'd been through. After all he'd put her through. She deserved to know how he felt. "Okay."
The two giggled foolishly, forehead to forehead. It was simply too easy for them to get lost in their own little world. Neither of the noticed Officer Walsh entered the room with a female detective by his side. The clearing of his throat, however, did manage to startle Cuddy. The Diagnostician felt her jump before spinning in his embrace to see the two officers standing there with a couple of manila folders and a tape recorder; the both of them shyly offering her a grin.
"Are you ready, Dr. Cuddy?"
The Dean of Medicine nodded her agreement while eyeing the group's new member. She seemed pleased by the other woman's presence. With time, she was positive that her outlook on men would not remain so timid, her job wouldn't allow it. Until then, a fellow woman was a welcomed guest into this disaster.
Each of them took an uncomfortable seat at the metal table, the officers on one side and doctors across from them. Cuddy scooted her chair closer to House, allowing him to rest his elbow one the back of it. Her mood had lifted since finally revealing her feelings to him. She didn't want to lose control over the situation. His wall of security surrounded her as the questioning began. Never once did he shift or move even in the slightest bit. He was her rock, faithfully beside her through it all.
Detective Nolin, the woman, did all of the talking. She asked Cuddy the questions while Officer Walsh remained quiet as he scribbled down a few notes and operated the tape recorder. The two were unbelievably professional and kind while receiving Cuddy's statement. Patience was required as several times the rape victim was forced to stop by the lump slowly developing within her throat. House encouraged her not to leave out a single detail as she described the awkward examination she conducted on her attacker, the day before in the Clinic.
As the minutes passed, however, it seemed as though House was the one having the most trouble reliving the tale of what happened to Cuddy. Both law enforcers watched as the cripple's hand clenched into an iron fist onto the table. He had an almost delirious, endless stare in his eyes as the woman sitting beside him kept her head down while telling them exactly how their prisoner physically molested her. Her, what they believe to be her husband for all intensive purposes, was nearly foaming at the mouth as she described the final moments she shared with Louis Cypher. It was saddening to the both of them to see such aspiring physicians so defenseless. Much like the two doctors before them, the officers sometimes didn't understand their choice of profession.
As the remembrance of a horror film came to an end, House found himself slowly slipping out of his trance and back into the real world. As if Cuddy had sensed his tension ease, she turned to look at him. Her grey eyes were solemn and almost ghostly, but there were no tears. She had finally come to terms of what had happened to her. She accepted that the story she just told wasn't a story at all. This was her life. This is what happened, and this is what was happening now. House watched the corners of her mouth turn up into a tiny smile. It was nice to see that after creating the stress lines beside her eyes, he could still make her smile.
Once the duo heard Officer Walsh speak into the recorder and indicate that the question was done, deep breaths were taken by the both of them.
"You did great," was the only the thing House had to say.
"Yes, Dr. Cuddy, you did absolutely amazing." Detective Nolin expressed her opinion with pride radiating off her professional demeanor. "Thank you so much for agreeing to do this. With the DNA evidence, your statement, and you identifying both the panties and his picture, he doesn't have a shot in hell in beating this." It was the officers turn to smile now. Apparently, their usual cases did not go as smoothly as Cuddy's. It was rather depressing.
"Thank you," was Cuddy's simply reply. She wanted out of there, now. With her head tilted towards House, she mumbled her request. "Can we leave?" Her words were whispered inches away from House's neck as he and the officers were having a silent, appreciative conversation.
"Of course, anything you want." He helped her to stand and thanked the officers one more time before escorting her out of the room. They were walking hand in hand once again down the same hallways Officer Walsh had led them down before. It was completely different, however. The weight of the world no longer seemed to be resting upon their shoulders. There was no inevitable fate ahead them. Nothing but opportunity was before them.
"I can't wait to get home."
He chuckled and pulled her to his chest, "I'm so proud of you, Cuddy." House placed several, short kisses to the side of her stitched eyebrow. Enjoying the feeling of having her walking against his uneven gate, he indulged himself with the school girl like giggles that were wracking her body. Her care free attitude was wonderful. She was getting better. She was –
All of his thoughts and her laughter came to an abrupt halt at the sound of an angry prisoner yelling at a policeman.
"Get your fucking hands off me!" It was a powerful shout; one of a man who was used to having complete control. Cuddy stiffened at House's side immediately. He knew right there and then whose voice was coming from just down the hall.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." An unaffected Police Officer was ushering him through the station.
Their voices sounded like they were coming forward. House battled with the need to get Cuddy away from the un-caged animal and his own curiosity. He had a dominant want in his heart to meet the man brave enough to put his hands on Lisa Cuddy. He felt her pulling at the front of his shirt. She was trying to leave. She was trying to escape the awful situation that was about to occur. But House wouldn't allow it. His self nature was finally taking over. He stood his ground like a strategic soldier.
The heavy footsteps became all either of them heard as they advanced towards them. Finally, Louis Cypher appeared at the corridor's end. His pitch black eyes bore into the dark curls at the back of Cuddy's head. She had buried her face into House's right shoulder. She hadn't ever wanted to see face the man staring at her, again. A sadistic smile spread across the beast's mouth as he witnessed her response. However, when a powerful hand, also holding cane, came up to protectively hold her, he was forced him to lift his eyes. It was then that two alpha males' deadly stares met.