A/N: Thanks for all the feedback...no real answers in this one. I promise they're coming though. ;)

Chapter 11

Wilson sat in misery, pushing his dinner around his plate. He was trying to figure out a way to make his friends see reason, but they were both too damned stubborn to listen to him.

"Hey Wilson, mind if I join you?"

"Nah, how's it going?" Chase set his tray down and eased into the seat across from the oncologist.

"It's a bit odd actually…House is being weird."

"And how is that odd exactly?"

"Different kind of weird I guess."

"You mean he's almost human since he got back?"

"Yeah, what was with the latest vanishing act anyway? Allison thinks his mum's been ill, but I don't buy it."

"Well, what's your theory?"

"Not sure, I mean, someone he cares about is sick…but I think…I think the old boy's gone and fallen, hasn't he."

"In English please."

"He's in love…"

"What makes you say…"

"Damn, that's my pager. Talk to you later."


Rachel was pulling herself up against the side of her playpen. "Up…" She insisted.

"You are up."

"Up!" Rachel repeated.

"You mean out, and I'm not allowed to get you out." Rachel slapped her hand against the padded rail in protest.

"Up."

"Uncle Gory, Rachel wants to get out."

House appeared wearing an apron and holding a wooden spoon. "Tough." He said directly to the now whimpering toddler.

"You shouldn't tease her…she's just a baby."

"I'm not teasing, I mean it. Tough…I'm busy. Where'd all her toys go?"

"She keeps throwing them out."

"Well, throw them back in." Paige sighed dramatically and scooped up a variety of blocks and stuffed animals. "Don't give her Wilson…she'll drool all over him again."

"Lisa said she's getting a new tooth."

"Again with the Lisa said…"

"Uncle Jimmy said…"

"Oh, please, just don't go there."

Rachel wobbled and landed with a thud. It couldn't have possibly hurt, but she let loose a tremendous wail.

Paige covered both ears. "Make her stop!"

House vanished back into the kitchen. Rachel's cries got louder. Paige bit her lower lip, not sure what she should do.

"Its okay, Rachel, Mommy will be home soon." The word Mommy seemed to invoke even more tears. "You can have Wilson." Paige offered.

"I told you no." House was there again. He leaned over and pulled Rachel awkwardly to his chest. Paige watched with round eyes as he sat down on the piano bench. "If the spaghetti is too mushy, you can thank Miss Cranky pants here."

"You should play her a lullaby, babies like that."

"Now why didn't I think of that…oh yeah, because it's …" He trailed off. "Because I don't know any lullabies."

"I know twinkle, twinkle…"

"Yeah, yeah and the alphabet song."

"Can I try?"


It was dusk when Lisa pulled into the drive. She was on her Bluetooth trying to calm down the Assistant Dean of Cardiology. "I know this is last minute, but you will be fine. Don't think of them as the hospital board…just picture them in their underwear…except for Carson, I don't want you to make yourself sick."

She heard them, before she even opened the door, but the kitchen slowed her down. It was a mess, marinara sauce congealing on the stovetop, pasta bloated, almost no water left. Forgotten snacks on the table, dishes in the sink.

"Way hay up she rises, Way hay up she rises." Giggles and scampering feet. "Way hay up she rises, Earl-aye in the mornin'." She quietly turned the corner, savoring the chaotic scene. Paige was spinning on her toes, Rachel clapping as she leaned over House's shoulder, House had one hand steadying her and the other was furiously working the piano keys.

"Shave his belly with a rusty razor…shave his belly with a…" He sounded…he sounded happy.

"Lisa, dance with me!"

There was a deafening clunk, the moment ruined.

"Don't stop on my account."

"You're late."

"I know." She took Rachel from him.

"Dinner's ruined." He whined.

"Forgive me?"

He didn't answer, he simply returned to the song. "with a rusty razor."

Paige grabbed Lisa's free hand and the three of them danced.


"Let the record show that the Clinical Trial was approved 9 to 2."

"Dr. Cuddy, the floor is yours again." Carson, one of the dissenting two, grumbled.

She took a slow breath and stood up. "As you are all aware, the hospital is a hotbed for rumors…there is one I'd like to quash before it starts. Most of you have long suspected that Dr. Gregory House and I have more than a working relationship."

The buzz of disapproval rang through the room. "I have long denied this, and believe that we have maintained a professional, if eccentric rapport. However, out of respect for the board and the hospital at large, I feel it is necessary to advise you that Dr. House and I are now living together."

The collective gasp was almost laughable. "Dr. Cuddy…this is completely unacceptable." Carson blusterd.

She forced a thin smile. "I was afraid you'd feel that way. I've sacrificed a good portion of my adult life to this institution and this position, and I believe my efforts have proven worthwhile, in the 9 years of my tenure this hospital has annually increased its rank among teaching hospitals, donations are on the rise, and the budget consistently balanced. I'm good at what I do, but despite his peculiarities much of this wouldn't have been possible without the work of Dr. House."

Carson scoffed. "You mean in spite of his backbreaking gift for attracting lawsuits."

"I believe I still hold the floor, Mr. Carson." A dozen or so pair of eyes bored through her. There were rumbles of outrage and disgust, but she held firm. "Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital owes a great deal to his work and each and everyone of you is aware of that. If the board feels that one of us must leave, it should be me. I respectfully submit my formal resignation."

A/N:

Lyrics: What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor

What'll we do with a drunken sailor,
What'll we do with a drunken sailor,
What'll we do with a drunken sailor,
Earl-aye in the morning?

Chorus:
Way hay and up she rises (x3)
Earl-aye in the morning

1. Put him in the long boat till he's sober,
2. Keep him there and make 'im bale 'er.
3. Shave his belly with a rusty razor.
4. Put him in bed with the captain's daughter.