It gave House a sense of welcome in a very unwelcoming world. "Madhouse in here tonight, doc. We got two bachelorette parties! I'll walk you up if you like?" House watched the pandemonium wide-eyed for a second. The bouncer took that as a yes. "Right this way." House didn't even try to protest. He was exhausted and it was a welcome change from running the gauntlet of crazies at PPTH on a daily basis.

"Thank you." House said as they neared the corner booth. It was a zoo. Saturday night.

"No problem. Miss Jesse wouldn't have it any other way." He went back to his post at the door after making sure House was seated. House looked around. The room was teeming with insanity. And then he saw Jesse. She was behind the bar with Henry Etta, and Jack helping them catch up. House hoped she didn't see him for a moment or two.

After everything he'd read…and seen, House wanted to wrap Jesse in his arms and never let her out of his sight again. It hadn't occurred to House the he might react to her differently now. He had to regroup before Jesse saw him. Same Jesse. Nothing had changed. Except she'd opened up to him in the only way she could…She'd been brave enough to take that next step simply because he'd asked. He'd asked for the truth and she'd given above and beyond. House suddenly felt humbled in her presence. He knew he couldn't have done the same. She was brave, fearless. And she felt secure with him…House suddenly remembered what she'd said the night before. He smiled.

"Do you need a hand?" House asked, getting her attention and hoping she didn't take him seriously. Jesse looked surprised to see him, shaking her head and laughing.

"I think we've got it for a bit!" She conferred with her backup and was by his side directly. "They've taken over!" Jesse laughed.

"Conan said two bachelorette parties?" House snarked.

"Conan? Oh I like that. He will too." Jesse smiled. "You're here. I'm so happy."

"And I'm sorry. I was way out of line today."

"No…no. We said no questions last night." Jesse started. "And tomorrow is always a new day. There are a million questions if you are coming back on a regular basis. I'll try to answer all of them, I promise. I owe you that if you're going to be this brave."

"Only one question at the moment."

"Ask."

"Can I have some of that?" House pointed to the bottle of 151 Bacardi on the table smiling.

"Jack! Toss me a glass!" A small glass flew from behind the bar.

"Need a chaser?" Jack yelled out from halfway down the bar.

"No." They answered simultaneously, bursting into laughter.

"It's been insane the last two hours." Jesse started to explain.

"You'll manage." Was all House said. There was a look between them, that special something again. "You're amazing." Was all House could think to say.

Jesse raised an eyebrow. "Amazed is more like it." She said, pointing to the insanity before them. "Some psych ward has got to be short a few heads."

"Want me to call?" House offered, trying not to laugh. It was impossible as a conga line started snaking its way through the bar. They both stared wide-eyed as it grew, and grew.

"It's going to be fun trying to get them to calm down the last hour or so."

"Going to stick it out till last call?" House asked.

"I think I should after last night. You don't have to. You look beat."

"Every day." House said, closing his eyes and leaning back in the booth.

"You should have gone home. Saturdays are crazy here."

"Same everywhere…except my place. House laughed. Something different for a change." He reached for Jesse's hand and felt it slip into his.

"I'm so glad you came back." Jesse leaned back in the booth and stretched out as well.

"You thought I wouldn't?"

"Always that possibility."

"I don't back down that easily."

"I was hoping you didn't. You're an admirable sparring partner, Dr. House."

"Funny." House said, almost to himself. "I was thinking the same thing about you earlier today. We really should do lunch more often." Each of them looked out the corner of their eyes at the other and started laughing.

"Early day tomorrow? You could go upstairs, if you're staying."

House shook his head, a look of pure ecstasy on his face. "On call but the day off."

"And how does House spend his days off?"

" Doing as little as possible."

"We could do that here." There was a look between them, exactly the same, and at the same moment. "Come on…let me take you upstairs. I'll be up later, when things slow down to a manageable level." House said nothing. He was thinking. Jesse didn't press him for a decision, but soon enough he agreed. He was nodding off in the booth.

They took the elevator. No fears or second thoughts tonight. And there was no hesitation when Jesse led House to her bedroom. "Do you have to go back right away?" House said, as Jesse turned down the sheets.

"You need to sleep. You were nodding off in the elevator, House! "

"You don't?"

"I will later. I did earlier. We have different hours." Jesse said. House put his arms around her, kissing her on the side of her neck.

"Jesse…"

She turned to look at him. "House, you're almost asleep on your feet. Come on." Jesse gently pushed him down on the bed and started unbuttoning his shirt. He gave in to her wishes and let Jesse help undress him without protest. House was still uneasy about letting her see his leg, but Jesse would have none of it. "You get some sleep. I'll be back when things ease up. House wrapped his arms around her, pulling her toward him.

"You wake me up."

"I will."

"I want you." House held her close for the brief moment she let him.

"You have me…but not for the moment. Sleep. We were up most of the night and one of us has had a nap." Jesse pushed him down on the bed and pulled the covers over him. House stretched out, fighting the sleep that was long overdue. Jesse kissed him and lingered beside the bed watching him.

"What?" House asked, sleep overtaking him.

"I was thinking…how lucky I was." Jesse watched for a moment. He was out. She gently kissed his tired eyes and her lips brushed against his. House was asleep in an instant. Jesse went back downstairs.

There was no sign of things slowing down and Jesse was behind the bar with Jack and the twins a good portion of the evening. "I see your beau has returned, brave soul." Jack said, pouring them a drink in a quiet moment.

"Yes, he has, and yes he is" She lifted the glass to her lips.

"And you thought we'd scared him off." Amber and Coral wandered by, eavesdropping.

"I thought you were trying." Jesse gave him an evil look. Her words stopped Jack in mid-drink.

"Jesse. You know better. We're all happy for you. It was sudden, that's all."

"Sometimes the best things in life come out of nowhere and blindside you."

"I don't think he felt that way this afternoon." Jack recalled.

"No. The hell of it is I told him this morning. I was trying to explain in a round about way how I'd…oh, Jack" Jesse shook her head. "That limp. You should see his leg. I can't imagine what did that. And he was in so much pain this morning. Whatever it is it doesn't wake well. I made it better."

"You showed him?" Jack was amazed she'd gone that far, and House was still there. Jack was impressed. Maybe he was worth the time. Maybe…

"Kind of hard not to and make it better. He's so patient with me, but he expects answers."

"Answers I take it you're not fully ready to give."

"Well think about it. Everyone takes us wrong. It's a gut punch for most people to hear. The first thing that came out of his mouth this afternoon when it sunk in…'candles and broomsticks' he called it crap." Jesse sighed. Amber and Coral giggled. "Don't you idiots have something to do?" Jesse snapped.

"We want to know too." Amber protested. "He looks so happy with you."

"And he really is quite good looking." Coral added. "You look great together."

"Appearances are everything at your age. It's not about appearances with us. Something clicked, I don't know. Right place at the right time…and all those silly clichés. So the question of the day is…Can two strangers who hit it off immediately still like one another after they get to know each other better?"

"He came back, Jesse. He's not afraid of you. That's a good start."

"I don't think that man's afraid of anything." Jesse smiled, describing this new arrival to their midst. "He's toothy. He doesn't back down. Straight up individual, I like that."

"Sounds like you." Jack laughed. "Go on, tell us. You know we've been dying to hear."

"Toothy, same sense of humor, you should have seen us tag teaming at that poker table last night. He was so bad…to his friends! And you can tell they love him dearly."

Jack and the girls exchanged knowing looks. "Sounds familiar. Keep going." Jack said.

Jesse laughed, shaking her head. "I don't know. Funny, toothy, very smart. He doesn't just know…he thinks. He analyzes…there's brain activity." Jesse laughed. "I've always found it a turn on when I can see the wheels turning in a man head reflected in his eyes. There's this spark, this chemistry…" Jesse stopped. "You clowns are enjoying this too much. Go find something to do." Everyone burst out laughing.

"Jesse's got a crush." Amber and Coral giggled.

"It's good to hear you talk about someone like that. We were starting to worry. You've been so depressed. It's been too long. Time to get back in the world again." Jack said.

"I haven't been depressed! " Jesse snapped. "I've just been doing a lot of thinking."

"Maybe a little lonely?" Jack teased.

"How can a girl be lonely with the three of you around?" Jesse snarked, feigning anger. "Go on. Go tend the bar and the stage and let me get back to work too." She shooed the girls away and was trying for Jack next.

"Hey…Jess…we're happy for you. Both of you from the looks of it."

"Great. Wonderful. Now get back to work…"

"Two lonely people finding each other…"Jack teased her mercilessly. "Both like music, pizza…regular sex."

Jesse swatted him with a towel as Amber and Coral burst into laughter. "Shut up and get back to work!"

The crowd started to filter out as the night came to a close. There was more laughter and teasing and they even took a turn onstage for a short time. And yes, Jesse was happy. Jack kept a watchful eye on his mentor that was so special to all of them. There was a definite lightening of that dark cloud that perpetually seemed to hang over her. Still there was a look from time to time. Analytical to a fault herself, Jack could tell something was weighing on her…

The lot of them sat in the booth after everything was done. A candle glowed on the table. Jesse stared into the flame. They kicked around ideas and thoughts and wound down as they had on so many evenings.

"I don't think we need to change much. Maybe enlarge the staff a bit if it gets any busier. I can't be tying the lot of you behind the bar all the time…."

"Not like we can't afford it."

"New faces." Coral sighed. "Always end up looking at us funny."

"Nose around. No hurry. See if anyone we'd get along with wants to come over and play with us on a semi-regular basis. I was only thinking on the weekends anyhow. If we start booking these wedding parties regular…"

"They were a trip weren't they?" Jack said. Everyone laughed.

"But they were thirsty…and hungry. They'll be back." Jesse smiled.

"Divorce party…give 'em about two years." Jack laughed.

"It doesn't always have to end like that." Jesse said, knocking back another drink.

There was that look again. Jack took a chance. "Hey girl, something's on your mind. We know you're happy and all, but something's there. We're here. All of us together…anything we can do?"

Jesse shook her head. "Old haunts die hard." Was all she would say.

"We have candles…no broomsticks. I think we can get by." Jack laughed, referring to House's earlier remark

"What?" Amber asked.

"Nothing. Our good doctor has a sense of humor."

"Let's hope his humor helps make his time with us a pleasant stay, however long..." Jesse said.

"You think he'll go?" Jack was surprised.

"I think he might, in time. We'll see. A little bit of me goes a long way sometimes. Too soon to tell. We need some time together. Real time…talk time."

"Jesse, we see the way the man looks at you. There's no denying he cares. We've been watching. Nothing there says fly by night to any of us."

"We'll see. And in the meanwhile…" Jesse stared into the flame. "Let's pray my Dr. House stays well. If things get out of hand again, he won't be near."

"Jesse…we've taken every precaution." Jack said. So that was it. She had another life to fear for again. Jack did his best to ease her worries. "You're back in America now. Things are different here. Don't doom this to failure before each of you have a chance."

"I can only hope. Well, I have someone waiting for me. You kids have a good night." Jesse wandered up the stairs.

She crept in and peeled off the blue sequin top and painted on jeans. It had been a very good night and she was exhausted. A warm shower to smooth out the aches and pains and she slipped on a short silk nightie. And there were two warm arms waiting for her when she eased in to bed.

"You're finally here." House wrapped his arms around her.

"I am." Jesse's hands slid over him like velvet. "Are you awake, my warm lover?" House half nodded. "No you're not." She dared, curling up beside him. "And neither am I. Let's rain check till morning."

House would hear none of it. He shook his head, pulling her close. Jesse didn't protest much. It felt so good to have him there beside her, her brave warm lover…

Downstairs the discussion continued. Jack and the twins stared into the candlelight over another round. "Ladies, what do you think of the good doctor, besides cute?"

"Smart, funny, sweet in an odd sort of way." Amber said. "He tries so hard to look like he's pushing everyone away, but he isn't fooling us. Those eyes…dead giveaway."

"Exactly. It's all about appearances, but the right kind. When he's pushing, it's like the ones that'll take it at face value will leave. His eyes look for the ones that don't leave. The ones that are bright enough to know better. Amber's right about his eyes. When he gives you 'the look' it's like the outside is scary and the inside…if you look longer than he'd like, there's so much pain. He expects everyone to look away before they see that."

"The bad leg, I think." Amber began. "He's trapped with it. They say animals will chew off a leg when it's caught in a trap to get free. But he can't even chew his off because it would still leave him trapped. And he's uncomfortable when people stare back because of it. It's more than physical pain for him. He hates himself...part of himself."

"Is he what we asked for?" Jack asked them. "Is this the answer to our prayers?"

"Oh yes. I felt it when he first walked in the door Friday. Before he even sat down he was leaning against the wall staring at Teach like she was the answer to his prayer. Those eyes are so starved for something beautiful in his life that's solely for him." Amber said.

"Do you see the way he looks at Teach? Jack, there's no question. House looks at her like her like she is Goddess personified. It's not the look we see in here from the men all night. It's so much more than that. There's this reverence in his eyes…utter adoration." Coral smiled. "It's reciprocal. That's the real answer for me. It's not so much what he thinks of Teach, but what they think of each other. They feel right together. When they're carrying on together there's this sameness. The looks and the smiles match."

"Jack, you knew William. You saw them together. What do you think? Was there ever anything like this between them?"

"Nothing I ever saw." There was a hint of disgust in Jack's voice at the mention of William Scheulling. "Maybe it existed in the early years but we will never know. But you're right about his eyes. I saw it too. The way he reacts to Jesse…takes her hand like he's not worthy. He puts his arm around her like she's the most precious thing he's ever held." Jack smiled. "We did well ladies, exceptional."

"You know what's so sad?" Amber whispered, staring into the flame.

"What?" Coral asked.

"We asked for Teach. We were just asking for her…it hurts to think there was someone else out there who was every bit as in need as she was. He must have had a terrible life."

"Oh but look at the positive, like Teach has drummed in to us. He may have been as lonely and miserable as she was, but look at the two of them together. We had a hand in that. In the end, if we didn't just do a wonderful thing for Teach but for our Dr. House as well, just think of how much sadness and misery we've helped put an and to."

"For the good of all and harm to none." I made sure to include it in mine…

"Here too." Coral said. They looked at Jack.

"It wouldn't have worked if any one of us hadn't. We did the right thing. Now let's just hope that neither of our 'temperamental twins' will mess this up on their journey together.

"Temperamental twins?" Amber sounded hurt.

"Not you. Them. It's like they're old souls, ecstatic to have found one another again." Jack laughed. "When we were planning this little endeavor, think of all the words that didn't make the list, boyfriend, lover…not good enough. We wanted the very best for her and whomever else…for the good of all and harm to none. Soul mate and friend, that's what both of you wrote on the parchment?" Both nodded. "And look what came wandering through those doors right behind our girl. There's no doubt the good doctor is what we were praying for. I hope we don't end up praying for both of them, that's all."

Chapter 12