Summary: The developing of a Love Affair in Years with ups and downs - Huddy.
Disclaimer: I do not own House, nor do I make any profit.
Author's note:Thanks to everybody who keeps on reading my story, and thank you for all the reviews I received. I saw a lot of you even added it to their favorites. Thank you very much for your support.
Special Thanks to my Beta Reader
A Co-writing by Klara Papkin and Miss Mila
Chapter 12 - Dancing
The time passed by and House and the team were still not able to cure Michelle. Wilson, on the other hand, wasn't even capable to understand if her cancer was treatable or not.
Michelle, on her part, demonstrated well how strong she was. Even through alternating moments of sickness and health she never lost her dreamy, fairy-like face and shiny smile. Cuddy gave up arguing with House and the girl, and she let her continue her ballet training everyday. Besides, somebody was always with her since she could easily faint or fall down. But whenever she did, she would just get right back up and flash everyone a genuine smile and laugh.
She and Rachel became pals and, with Cuddy's consent, Rachel started studying ballet with Michelle. Michelle was very good with children, and from time to time she and Rachel would tour the Pediatric department and organize their own little shows to the amusement of the children and adults.
Now, even House had trouble finding out where the two girls were. Usually he found them in some rooms they don't belong in, sleeping in each other arms, tight in a soft hug like two sisters, both exhausted of all the adventures of the day.
Michelle definitely became an important asset of the hospital.
Today, after the usual hour of trying to diagnose Michelle's disease with no luck, House went to the therapy room to meet her. After Cuddy and Rachel, she was the third person capable of putting him in a good mood.
"Morning, Swan!" House yelled upon entering the room.
"Morning House!" She yelled back at him. She was doing her exercises, having on leg up on the bar.
"Hard work today?" He asks as he sits on the chair in the middle of the room and smiles at her.
"Yep. And you?" She asks, looking at him through the mirrors.
"Normal stuff." He says, trying to place a frank smile on his face.
She takes her leg off the bar and crouches down in front of him. "Anything you'd like to tell me?"
"I'm sorry, nothing yet." He looks down.
"That's okay, House." She pats his arm a couple of times, then goes back to her stretching.
She does a few more stretching exercises then exclaims, "I will dance for you now."
She performs a piece from Sleeping Beauty. If he didn't know better, he would think that her disease was just an effect of a bad nightmare. An illusion. How could a person with that combination of symptoms appear so carefree and happy? So angelic? She was full of radiant joy. Like a…butterfly, fluttering in the air.
She ends her performance and than sits down at his feet with crossed legs.
"Do you like it, Dad?" Sometimes she can't help herself from calling him Dad, and Cuddy, Mum. In a combination of pity, consent, and joy, among other things, they let her do it.
"You are simply wonderful when you dance." House said, eyes glittering with joy and amusement.
"Thanks."
House looks thoughtful and Michelle, noticing it, asks, "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing."
"Liar. Come on, is it serious?"
"Just forget it."
"No. I want to know now! Pleeeeease???"
House laugh sincerely. "Rachel teach you that?"
"She teaches me how to win with you, and I teach her ballet. Isn't that a good exchange?"
"You two little foxes." He tickles her.
Michelle tries stop his hands in this game and laughingly says, "Stop it. Stop it. I give up."
"It's better you do." He says, grinning.
He than looks at her amused, and comments, "I envy you."
"Are you kidding? What for?" She opens her eyes in surprise.
"You can dance." He declares.
"And you…" She trails off, looking at his cane.
"Pretty difficult to be a cripple dancer. Don't you think?"
Michelle reflects for a moment and in an instant comes up with an elaborate plan. "You are wrong."
"Don't make a fool of me." He says warningly, teasing her.
"That's not my intention."
"So don't do it."
"House, I can't make you dance. I can teach you."
"Like you're doing with Rachel? Come on, Mick. Be serious! I'm just an old, handicapped man."
Michelle shrugged. "Maybe you think of yourself like that in your head. It's not true in reality, though."
"You think it's funny for me to walk around a room, swaying at every step I make?"
"Nope."
"Forget what I said. I need to go."
"Wait." She moves in front of him, stopping him with her little body.
"Just listen to me." House nods. "We can learn how to dance together. It's just a question of head and back and… heart. Forget about putting balance in your legs. There are other ways, I can show you. Don't you wish to hold Cuddy in your arms and ask her for a dance?"
"I wish I could."
"I promise you, we can made it."
House sighs and gives in. "I'll think about it." He says before leaving.
House then goes to Cuddy's office. She lifts up her head the moment she hears him entering.
"Hello darling." She smiles at him.
"Morning Sunshine." He smiles back at her and walks into the room. He reaches for her from behind her desk and places a kiss on her lips. Cuddy sighs with pleasure and responds to him with more passion.
"Have you had a good morning so far?" She asked as the broke away from the kiss.
"Quite."
"You went to see Michelle?"
"I did." He said quietly.
"How is she?" Cuddy asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"Unchanged."
"God, I wonder how she can stand it."
"Me too. I'm sorry."
She gives him a comprehensive look and caresses his left cheek with her palm: "I know you're bending over backwards to get this diagnosis."
"The worst part is that it doesn't seem to be enough. One of the worst cases ever has fallen into my hands, and all I can do is wonder if she needs a better doctor that me."
"Don't say that. You're one of the best in this field, and you know it."
"I'm starting to wonder whether I'm losing my touch."
"You aren't. Relax. I trust you. You will find a way." She didn't wait for him to respond; instead she leaned toward him and pressed her lips to his for another kiss.
He embraces her tightly. Her head is on his chest, listening his heartbeat. His cheek is on her head, and a hand is caressing her hair. "Thanks." He starts to rock her lightly like following a lullaby motive. He than lifts up her chin up with a finger and asks, "What were you doing when I interrupted you?"
"I was finding a gentle way to not disappoint one of our donors."
"My beloved Mr. Taylor?"
Cuddy could never forget what happened between Taylor and House. In her heart, she knew that she would even have to thank him. That accident was what sent her in House's arms.
"No." She sighs. "An other one."
"What has he asked you to do?"
"He wants us to organize a Gala Benefit…"
"Not again, Lisa, please! I can't stand another auction!"
"Can you let me finish before starting to protest about anything?"
"Fine. So?"
"The Gala Benefit wouldn't be a problem. In fact, that part would be simple. But…he wants it to be…old-fashioned…in a certain way."
"Is it a Masquerade Ball?"
"Not exactly."
"Are you going to tell me or am I supposed to keep guessing?"
"Well…he wants everybody to dance. From the waltz to minuet to…tango."
"I see."
"I can't just force everybody to dance. Some don't like it, some…" She trailed off.
He finishes the sentence for her: "Some simply can't."
They look at each other. She hates it when silly things make him think about his disability.
"I was proposing to him that we perform a simple benefit without any addition."
"I think you should consent. Otherwise he'll be very disappointment."
"I can't disappoint people I love for an insignificant donor freak."
"I'm fine Cuddy. I don't like benefits anyway. I can even stay at home with Rachel if you like."
"I want you to be with me. I need you to be at my side; you're a part of my life. And if the donor doesn't want to accept a simple benefit he can go to hell. I care much more about you than a donation."
He places a kiss on her forehead. "That's very sweet, Lisa, but you have to put the hospital first. I don't want you to turn down an offer to earn money for the hospital. Accept his idea. I even have a proposition for you." He said with a smile.
"What kind of proposition?"
"Actually, there are two. First, why don't you ask Michelle to perform some ballet for the evening? She'd be delighted. Second, why don't you ask her to train everyone at the hospital in the waltz and the other dances? You don't want to our hospital to make a bad impression in front of the donors, do you?"
"You think she can manage such an hard work?"
"The moment you ask her to do it I bet all signs of her disease will disappear."
"That's what concerns me."
"She'll be ok."
"I'm scared Greg."
"About what?" He asked gently.
"She's such a good girl. So nice with everybody. What if she…"
"Don't think about it. Everything is gonna be alright."
"Fine." She smiles. "Do you have an idea how much more work this new idea of yours will force me to do? I have to make extra time for scheduling their work and dance times."
"Poor baby. Daddy is gonna find a way to make you relax." House said teasingly. He starts to place tiny kisses to her neck, then hair, forehead, nose, eyes, and finally he reaches her lips.
"Greg…Greg…Greg..." She is fussed from his kisses.
"What? Mmmmmmh." He moans lightly.
"Greg…………… Stop"
"What? You always interrupt during the best moments."
"If you don't go out of here I will never finish all that stuff."
"You can do it tomorrow."
"If I don't finish it now I'll never get out of here. Or at least not until very late."
"Ok. I got it. You are very mean when you perform the Administrator façade."
"Really? I think I do a good job."
"You're wonderful. And that's why I love you."
Cuddy rolls her eyes. "Just go House."
"Fine. See you later honey. Fireworks are planned for tonight."
She laughs and goes back to her folders.
House leaves her office and goes back to the physical therapy room.
Michelle turns. "House?" She asks in surprise.
"I need a favour from you."
