Here you go...as always let me know what you think! makes me happy :)
Have a wonderful Sunday!
'Beep Beep…Beep Beep…'
House's phone alarm began blaring loudly from the side of his bed at precisely 9:00am. He turned his head towards the noise and sleepily reached his hand over to dismiss it. Instead of throwing the abhorrent contraption against the wall or hitting the snooze multiple times like he would have so readily done in the past, he found himself shifting upright and moving both legs to settle his feet upon the cold wood floor.
His head felt clear. It was a strange feeling, and something he was not typically accustom to feeling in the mornings, especially not over the last year, but this particular morning was entirely different. House closed his eyes with a small smile on his face as he pictured her face. He knew precisely what had caused this unaccustomed early burst of clarity and peace…or whom for that matter.
He reached for his cane and hobbled to the bathroom, stopping to look at his reflection in the mirror. He saw that he looked the same despite the way he felt, his hair was messed; gray stubble covered most of his face. House ran his hand through his hair and considered carefully the necessary grooming that he should take care of before tonight, noting that he desperately needed a haircut.
'Tonight…I have a date,' he remembered fondly mixed with a slight bit of apprehension. He wanted nothing more than to not disappoint her with a lousy evening, as his mind raced with the day prior's events. He picked up his razor and turned it on, and smiled to himself, Cuddy was home, and she wanted to try again…
'Knock…knock…knock.' His electric razor was poised in his hand when the interruption sounded. He looked down the hall and shook his head, knowing exactly who it was, and set his grooming instrument down on the sink with disdain, before he journeyed to the front door.
"Took you long enough." House spoke, as he swung the door wide to allow his friend to enter. "I was expecting you to be eagerly waiting on my doorstep last night, like a little school girl craving all the gossipy details."
"Well…I didn't want to interrupt anything. You two seemed…well yesterday." Wilson stepped inside as he spoke and looked carefully around the room, "Is she here?" He whispered.
"No Betty Lou…she never was. We're taking things slow."
Wilson's eyes grew big and inquisitive, "And…you're okay with this?"
"What do you take me for? A horny old man that only wants sex?"
"Uh…yes. Please for the love of God don't mess this up again, or I can no longer be friends with either one of you." He grinned widely, "I'm happy for you."
"Thank you…now get out I'm busy." He nodded toward the door and wandered away back towards his bathroom.
Wilson followed close behind, "Your patient got the transplant this morning, just in case you were wondering."
"I wasn't. I already solved the case last night…well actually, Cuddy solved the case."
"When are you seeing her again?"
"Tonight. I'm picking her up at seven."
"Good for you House." Wilson leaned against the door as House picked up his electric razor once again.
House paused in annoyance, "You going to watch me shave? Make sure I pick out the right outfit?"
"Blue button down shirt and your black jacket." Wilson offered.
House grumbled and stared at him through the reflection in the mirror, as he began to finally trim his facial hair.
"Where are you taking her?"
"I don't know yet. Did you want to plan that for me too Mom?"
Wilson held up his hands, "No…no I wouldn't dare step on your toes. I imagine that insane brain of yours can actually succeed in coming up with a romantic evening that Cuddy would love."
"Yep. I know she digs the mud wrestling pit down on Fifth Street. So I think we'll start there, and then I can seduce her in the parking lot next to Homeless Henry and his garbage can of flames." House finished cleaning up his face and went over to turn on the shower. "I hear women love sitting in front of a fire…gets them hot."
"That sounds perfect. Tell Henry I say hello…" Wilson turned to leave.
"I'm taking the day off!" House loudly called after him.
"I expect nothing less." Wilson shouted back before he made his way to the front door and closed it behind him.
'God I look like a tramp!' Cuddy's thoughts whirled wildly in her brain as she took off another outfit in defeat. Sifting through her wardrobe in only a lacy bra and underwear, she was beginning to think she was going to run out of acceptable choices and have a nervous breakdown right there on her closet floor.
Hangers flew swiftly across the pole they were resting on as she ruled out the clothes attached to them, before she halted, finally finding a potential choice that she forgot she even owned.
It was a strapless steely gray colored dress that, at one point, had hugged her in all the right places. She recalled having only worn it once to a wedding years before. It was a little fancy, she thought, but she took it off the hanger anyway. Her curiosity at whether or not it would even still fit won out as she slipped it over her head. The material was a soft satin, giving it an elegant appeal, and the skirt hugged her hips then flared slightly just below her knees. She reached for the zipper on the side, and held her breath as she started to zip it up, holding out hope that this dress would work. She knew House would be there any moment.
'I can't believe it.' Cuddy looked at herself in the closet mirror, the dress fit perfectly. She smiled at her reflection because it was the first thing she had put on that made her feel pretty, and she knew instantly that House would love it.
"You're wearing that?" Arlene crept quietly into the closet, noticing her daughter's appearance.
Cuddy let out an extremely heavy sigh, as she faced her Mother in the mirror, running her hands down the dress to smooth it out. "Yes Mom."
Arlene squinted her eyes judgingly, "It's a little slutty don't you think?"
"Barring jeans and a t-shirt, all my clothes are slutty Mother."
She shrugged, "Well I suppose when you have breasts like yours, it's hard to cover them up."
Cuddy half-smiled as she began to consider which heels to wear. "Well I will take that as a compliment, thank you."
"The high black ones with the straps." Arlene gestured to the corner of the closet as she came further in.
Cuddy looked to where her Mom was pointing and knew she was right. She reached down to pick them up and made her way out of the closet to sit upon her bed in order to secure them to her feet.
Arlene followed and stood in front of her, "I'm happy for you."
Cuddy looked up, "Really…you don't think I'm insane?"
"He may be an arrogant, cranky old ass with an extremely conniving disposition…but…he's the only man you have ever truly loved."
Cuddy raised her eyebrow in surprise, "And how do you know that? I've been married before…engaged to Lucas not that long ago."
"Because I know my daughter. We may not have always seen eye to eye. But I still raised you, and I know you have never loved anyone else…you can't stubbornly run away from that fact forever."
Cuddy exhaled, giving in to her Mother's intuitive analysis of her heart, "Julia will be furious with me. After everything he did."
"Let her be. Everyone has moments of pure insanity…makes life exciting." Arlene spoke assuredly.
Cuddy found herself laughing out loud at her Mother's response. It was a reaction she very rarely had the opportunity to express when Arlene was around and it somehow made her feel a little less anxious, "Thank you for staying another night to watch Rachel."
"Well since I haven't seen her for practically a year…" Arlene started to lay the guilt on but saw her daughter shot her a 'don't start' look. "I'm just saying I missed her, so staying another night is fine."
"Good. " Cuddy sighed and finished buckling her heel. She stood up and checked her reflection one more time in the mirror before she went to the bathroom to finish getting ready.
'Knock, knock, knock…' The sound from the front door resonated in the small bathroom as she was about to put on her lipstick.
"I got it." Arlene's voice called to her. Cuddy flinched when she heard her footsteps echoing down the hallway. She thought about stopping her, but knew the inevitable meeting would happen eventually between House and her Mom. 'God, I should have asked Wilson to baby-sit,' she pondered as the front door creaked open. Cuddy hurriedly started touching up the rest of her make-up, to save House as soon as possible.
"House!" She heard Rachel squeal and little footsteps running fast.
"Hey runt…Mrs. Cuddy." She heard his tone change for each greeting, making her smile at the thought of what his expression towards her Mother was at the moment.
"Greg…You don't have to stand in the doorway, come in. Rachel let go of his leg." Arlene replied nice enough. Cuddy heard the familiar sound of his cane tap on the hardwood floor and the door shut behind him. She reached for the perfume that House bought her long ago and sprayed a little on her neck before she gave herself one final glance and turned out the bathroom light.
She walked out of her bathroom and through her bedroom before he came into full view. As soon as she saw him standing there she began to feel her heartbeat start to pound ridiculously fast, so she took a deep breath, internally reminded herself to just relax, and made her way down the hallway to her date. House reacted with wide, longing eyes, when he saw her come towards him. Boosting her confidence with each step that she at least picked the right dress.
He walked towards her too, as soon as he had collected himself from the vision of her coming down the hall looking absolutely stunning. He had dressed nicely as well, to the best of his abilities, wearing an ironed pair of black slacks and a matching dinner jacket.
Cuddy saw he was wearing her favorite colored shirt, a sky blue button down parted open at the neck; a single deep red rose was held in his hand with a white bow tied around it. Cuddy smiled immediately, he looked incredibly sexy, she could tell he shaved and got a hair-cut, and as soon as she was near him, she could smell his enticing cologne. It was an amazing package.
They met at the edge of the hallway and House reached out between them and silently offered her the rose.
Cuddy's eyes lit up as she spoke, "Thank you." Their fingers brushed as she took the flower from his hand and held it to her nose.
"You look pretty Mommy!" Rachel interrupted, causing them both to remember they were currently being watched by two sets of explorative eyes.
They simultaneously turned their gazes, "You're killing me here, I'm supposed to say that," House stage whispered to Rachel, who had come to stand between them.
Cuddy saw Rachel smile widely up at him, ignoring House's perturbed face, clearly elated to be back amongst one of her favorite friends. "Uh, Rachel, why don't you show Grandma what video we rented for you guys to watch tonight." She looked to her Mom and spoke directly, "Maybe get that started…"
Arlene furrowed her brows at them both, "Sounds wonderful." She gave them one final look before she disappeared out of the room to follow Rachel.
"Hey," Cuddy spoke in a hushed amused tone as she adjusted her eyes back to stare longingly at her date. "You look…very nice." Being so near to him, combined with the way he looked tonight, was enough to make Cuddy feel like a nervous teenager. Her stomach was full of butterflies, and it felt crazy and wonderful all mixed together.
"Well the kid took my compliment. So…I guess I'm going to have to improvise and say… you took my breath away." House confessed quietly as he came even closer to her.
Cuddy's eyes grew wide, His incredibly intimate confession, one that he said without any restrictions behind it, as was in his nature to do so, felt unbelievably amazing; and her whole body flushed in response. She reached up to his chest, still clutching the red rose in her hand, and pulled him by his shirt gently against her; placing a soft kiss on his lips.
House kissed her back, but only for a moment before he pulled away, with a mock-serious expression, "Easy now. We're on our first date, remember?"
Cuddy questioned him slightly with her eyes before she played along, "You're absolutely right. Of course it's going to be rather hard with you saying things like that…and looking the way you do."
"Oh like you went easy on me? Look at the dress you're wearing." His eyes sought her out before they began to roam once again over her seductive body.
Cuddy's mouth grew wide with a victorious grin, as she left his side to grab her purse resting by the front door, knowing he was now watching her backside while she walked away from him. "Rachel, I'm leaving. Listen to Grandma please. No whining when it's time for bed."
Rachel came sliding out into the foyer in her footy pajamas, "House can you come back later too?"
"Probably not. First date rule regulations." House looked down into her big eyes.
"What?" Rachel questioned with a tilt of her head.
"Nothing Rach. I promise you and House will see each other a lot. I know he would love to sit down and color with you again very soon."
"Okay! Maybe we's can go to the store and get House um-um his very own color book too." Cuddy bit back an immediate smile, watching her daughters eager face at what would surely be painful torture for House later.
House shifted his cane as he shot a scolding look Cuddy's way, opening his mouth to speak before he saw Arlene enter the room, forcing him to swallow his original sarcastic retort. He sighed, "At least make it a manly coloring book. I refuse to color any more weird looking horses with hearts drawn on their butts."
"Okay." Rachel smiled before she heard her videos opening music montage sound in the other room. "Bye!" Rachel squeaked and bounded quickly away.
"Well…" Arlene looked at both of them, "You two have a nice time."
"Thanks." Cuddy looked to her Mom and handed her the rose, "Could you find a vase for this?"
Arlene looked at the flower and then up to House, "Geez…I hope you have a vase big enough."
"Mom." Cuddy shook her head, "And we were so close to leaving peacefully." Cuddy looked up to House with an apologetic face.
"What? It's one flower. What am I supposed to say?" Arlene defended.
"Maybe nothing." Cuddy rolled her eyes before she shrugged her coat on.
"Well I already bit my tongue from pointing out the fact that the man can't wear a tie to save his life."
"Well I had one on," House interjected, "But I spilt some tequila on it while I was driving over here. I thought it inappropriate to show up with a stain." House shrugged innocently while opening the front door.
Arlene sighed, "I'll go find some water," she turned to leave.
"Goodnight Mom."
"Mrs. Cuddy," House bowed his head to her dramatically, "Always a pleasure." He said with an exaggerated smile, and Cuddy saw her Mother shake her head before the door closed behind them.
Placing his hand on the small of her back, House guided his intoxicating date down the porch steps, and opened the car door for her. Excitement building inside him as he eagerly anticipated the evening to come. He just hoped that she loved the plans that he meticulously spent the day concocting as much as he wanted her too…
"Where are we? I thought there were only warehouses around here." Cuddy looked out of the car window as House pulled up to a curb in the middle of a darkened street.
"There are. " He replied simply before he got out and closed his car door. Cuddy followed suit and stepped out as well, standing to face him over the car.
"This way." House pointed to a door only about twenty feet away from where they were parked. He saw her hesitate in the darkness of the desolate street as the light above the door he was gesturing to blinked eerily off and on. "Trust me." He walked around the car and lifted up his hand for her to take.
She relaxed as soon as he was near and silently grabbed his hand, allowing him to lead the way…allowing herself to just enjoy whatever may come.
The door cracked open and Cuddy could make out in the shadows what looked to be a culinary school classroom. Stainless steel countertops were lined next to each other in rows, and when she walked further in she could see that each individual station had its own stovetop attached. Most of the lights were off except a few in the far end of the room, making it a bit cumbersome to walk any further, but it was then she noticed a man standing under one of the lights, next to what looked to be a big pot, and overpowering mouthwatering smells began wafting in her direction.
"Whatever that is, it smells amazing." Cuddy's face beamed as she looked over to him.
"Come on." House grabbed her hand once more and they walked together towards the stranger.
"Hey Manny, did you do what I asked?" House questioned as they approached.
"Yeah, I stirred every five minutes like you said, and I just turned off the oven." Manny handed House the wooden spoon he was holding and took off his dirtied apron. It was only then he noticed that Cuddy was standing behind him. "Wow." He spoke candidly as he hungrily took in House's date.
"Don't' drool around food." House placed what looked like a decent amount of money in his hand and nodded towards the door.
Manny tore his eyes away and looked down at the cash before he glanced longingly back to Cuddy one last time.
"Are you kidding?" House growled at him.
"Oh…right. Don't forget to lock up when you leave." Manny spoke only to House, handing him a set of keys before he left them alone, and the door clicked shut behind him.
"So…am I understanding this right…you cooked all of this? Do I smell lasagna?" Cuddy wandered closer to the stove, then turned around in awe.
House smirked, "Good nose. " He spoke seductively in her ear, teasingly coming closer before he changed course and leaned around her to fetch a bottle of wine from the counter. "Hungry?"
Cuddy could only nod an affirmation, too touched and now too filled with desire to speak without sounding like an emotional idiot.
House took notice of the effect he was having on her but didn't say anything. He grazed her arm with his fingers before he gestured with his head for her to follow, leading them both towards another door. He pulled it open, holding the bottle of wine in his other hand, and waited with anticipation for her to enter before he walked in behind her.
Cuddy found herself walking into an open room filled entirely with a soft enchanting light. Candles of all shapes and sizes flickered magically about the space, resting on the surfaces of the furniture and the shelves that lined the four walls. In the center of the room sat a small white table with two place settings, and a petite candelabra, also with candles burning brightly in it, rested romantically in the middle. After she took it all in, and her eyes were already watering from everything that House had done for her, she looked down to her feet and for the first time she noticed that the floor was sprinkled generously with bright rose petals of all different colors. She walked further in without looking at him, trying to keep it together so she didn't look like a blubbering fool. Quickly she wiped a tear threatening to fall and composed herself to the best of her abilities.
She could feel House's eyes on her as she finally felt calm enough to turn around and face him. He was quietly leaning on his cane, still standing by the door, studying her face for approval. She could see he was hesitant, questioning whether or not he succeeded with the romantic setting he so thoughtfully orchestrated.
"House…this is…the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me." Cuddy spoke through the lump in her throat, not knowing what else to say, or how to properly express her gratitude for his amazingly thoughtful evening. She still couldn't believe how much care he put into planning everything.
"You're forgetting about the time when I took you to the clown rodeo." House attempted to play it down, even though he inwardly was screaming with sheer joy, as she rewarded him with a breathtaking smile. He walked over and placed the bottle on the table, and lifted up the metal covers on the plates to reveal the first course for the evening. He grabbed the back of the chair and pulled it out for her.
"How could I have possibly forgotten that." Cuddy obliged and sat down in the offered setting, as House uncorked the wine. A luscious green salad topped with heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese, and artichoke hearts sat in front of her, a small sterling silver cup with dressing in it was resting next to her plate. She waited for House to sit down after pouring generous amounts of wine in each of their crystal glasses before she unfolded her napkin and spread it on her lap.
Cuddy lifted her glass just as House reached for his. She took a sip of the wine, allowing the flavor to wash over her tongue and their eyes connected eagerly in the light of the flames. She set her glass down, "Thank you…for all of this."
House set his own glass down and held her gaze, "Your welcome." He allowed a small smile to flit across his lips. He picked up his fork, "The food isn't fake you know, it's edible…or at least it was when I left here. Manny is a below average sous chef, but he was the only one willing to allow me to break and enter." He teased.
"Oh so now we're felons? I should be more shocked right now shouldn't I?"
"Don't tell me you didn't already deduce that being here might be breaking the rules?"
"Well…as long as this food turns out to be as good as it smells…I suppose it's worth the jail time." Cuddy smiled wide and somehow managed to tear her eyes from his and looked to her plate. She picked up her fork, and instantly discovered that the salad truly was as delicious as it appeared.
House felt utterly content as he began to eat as well. Despite deeper issues that still weighed heavily on his mind, he had consciously made the decision that tonight, nothing was going to stand in his way. He was going to allow himself a moment of happiness. Being with her now felt like a dream that he never wanted to awaken from. A part of him still couldn't believe that he was spending the evening with her, starting anew, after so many excruciating months apart. He tried not to watch her eat, but his eyes continued to follow hers, "I almost forgot." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small remote.
Cuddy watched him intently as his fingers pressed a single button and faint music filled the room. She recognized instantly whose melodic voice it was reverberating around her, "Bon Iver…I love this song."
"I know." House quietly acknowledge.
She glanced around the room once more, taking it all in, "You sure put a lot of thought into tonight. How did you even have time for this?"
"Well…this enticingly sexy and occasionally wise doctor I know swooped in yesterday and diagnosed my patient."
"I was right?"
"I cannot confirm the identity of the doctor who completely showed off…legal purposes." He saw her eyebrows raise and a proud smile appear on her lips, "But it did allow me, graciously I might add, to be granted the day off…Wilson insisted."
"Well I'm certainly glad that you ran into this…what did you say…oh yes, enticingly beautiful and wise doctor." She leaned forward, placing her elbow on the table. Resting her head in her hand, she coyly batted her eyes at him.
House leaned forward as well, the candle burned softly between them. "I believe I said occasionally wise."
"My mistake." She bantered and they both continued to eat in a comfortable silence. The song changed and Cuddy recognized another one of her favorite songs begin to faintly play. "I love this song too." She put down her fork and looked at him, "I still can't believe you came up with all of this…you made me a mixed tape."
"I read somewhere that the mixed tape is a time honored first date tradition, by the end of the month I might just ask you to go steady. Besides…it didn't take long to create an evening you would love…I know everything there is to know about you."
"Well I do love this evening." She reached out with her hand and found his own resting on the table between them, Cuddy saw him react as she lightly ran her fingers across his skin, "And you do know me …but…certainly not everything. I know that I have managed to keep some things in my life a mystery, even to you."
"I beg to differ…I think all the mystery's contained in the Cuddy closet have been solved. I've had you down for years."
Cuddy removed her hand from his and reached for her wine glass. "So arrogant." She said with a smirk.
"I'm not so sure its arrogance, more than just complete confidence in the facts at hand."
She took a sip and set her glass back down, "That there isn't one thing you don't know about me?"
"Well barring childhood friend's names, and what color tutu you wore to a ballet recital when you were seven…yes."
"Care to make it interesting?"
House's eyes began to sparkle as he leaned forward once more. "Now you're speaking my language."
She mirrored his movements without thinking and her voice dropped lower. "How about…for every question you get wrong…you have to answer a question."
"About what?"
"You."
"You already know everything about me."
"I'm certainly not claiming to know everything there is to know about you. You've always kept things close, purposely dodging anything too directly personal."
"I would look up the meaning of the word 'personal' because I think there is a legitimate reason behind my lack of sharing. I believe others around the world commonly share in this same belief."
"Well I'm sure there is a lot to learn then."
"Fine, but I won't be getting any questions wrong."
"Oh and that's not arrogant?" She questioned teasingly.
House smirked as he got up from his seat, and without a word grabbed their empty salad plates in his hands. "Time for the second course. Be right back…gives you time to ponder what questions you are going to stump me with."
Cuddy watched him as he walked out of the room with what felt like a permanent smile painted on her lips. Although, in the back of her mind sat the knowledge that eventually she was going to have to come clean with him. Let him know that she was fully aware of his illness that still plagued him, but this evening was certainly not the time, and she knew that fact without any hesitations.
House came limping carefully back in the room, forcing Cuddy to instantly push any depressing thoughts aside. He came close to her side and placed a steamy bowl of soup in front of her. "Cream of cauliflower and parsnip soup, with garnish."
Cuddy stared at her bowl. It smelled incredible and the steam wafted around her generously, causing her mouth to water. "My favorite soup."
"Does this count as one of the things I already know about you, because in that case the score would be one to nothing."
Cuddy silently took a few bites before she returned his knowing stare, "Tastes wonderful." She evaded.
"You can't think of anything to ask me, can you?"
She shook her head and placed her spoon down, "Who am I named after?"
"I see you're starting with a trick question Dr. Cuddy. Your middle name is the same as your Aunt Michelle's. Sister to one cranky old persnickety woman named Arlene." House gestured with his spoon in hand, "Two to nothing?"
"Okay, my grade point average when I graduated from Michigan?"
"Let's see I know I used this info to torment you at some point…4.1. Not high enough to make valedictorian though right? Should have slept with that Math professor when you had the chance."
She rolled her eyes before she thought of something wickedly clever, "Have I ever been with a woman?"
"Hmmm, excellent question…and one that I have asked repeatedly, but one that you have dodged answering. Judging by the look you're giving me now, and past discussions on the subject…I would have to say…yes, but just once I think."
Cuddy sipped a few more bites of delicious soup and tried to maintain composure.
"Your silence is golden…please tell me it was with Thirteen." House asked with an eager look on his face and his fingers blatantly crossed.
"Hate to destroy your vision of my scandalous rendezvous, but it was not with Thirteen." Cuddy paused, "Although she is extremely beautiful." She looked at him innocently, knowing he would love her admitting that.
"Thank you for that." House's eyes gleamed at her, "But our score seems to be a bit lopsided here, care to admit defeat? Wave your white lacy thong in the air…or Thirteen's perhaps?"
"Not yet…" She paused, trying desperately to rack her brain for anything she might have managed to keep hidden from him, suddenly it came to her, "Alright…what clubs were listed under my High School Senior photo in my yearbook?"
House leaned back in his chair, trying with all his might to think of what she could have possibly kept hidden in the yearbook he had spent time trying to find in the past.
She knew she had him, and proudly she took a few more sips of her soup before she spoke, "Your silence is golden. Never did find my yearbook did you?"
"Well played sir." House picked up his wine glass.
"Thank you." She beamed at him.
"Fine four to one…so are you finally going to tell me why you have purposely kept that hidden from me?"
"Oh no-no. It's my turn." Cuddy said casually.
House sought her eyes for a moment before he got up from his seat and picked up his bowl and then came closer to her side to fetch hers.
"I hope you are only fleeing so you can grab us some of the lasagna that I keep smelling." Cuddy looked up at him from her seat.
"Of course…I would hate for you to think I was some coward that couldn't handle answering a personal question." He turned to leave.
"I would never think that." Cuddy responded and watched him disappear one more time through the door, returning a mere minute later carefully holding two plates in his hands. She noticed he had discarded his cane next to the door when they first sat down so it made things a bit more challenging for him. She thought about helping, but knew that he would hate to feel like a person with a disability when he had planned such a romance filled date.
"I believe the lady's favorite lasagna is butternut squash and sage?"
She bit back a smile and leaned down to smell the wonderful food House had just placed in front of her. She looked longingly back to him, his face was incredibly handsome in the candlelight, and between the food, music, and conversation, Cuddy knew she was going to have a hard time holding true to her request to take things slow.
"I know…five to one." House said as he took a bite of lasagna.
"I admit the score is in your favor, but don't forget whose turn it is." Cuddy paused and took a delicious bite, savoring it before she spoke. "Oh and in case you were wondering, this food is worth going to jail for." After taking another ridiculously great bite she realized she hadn't even thought of anything she could ask. Of course there were many things that came to mind, but having a chance to only ask one question, she knew she wasn't going to be able to get much out of him anyway. "Alright…how old were you the first time you had your heart broken by a girl."
"That's your question?"
"What's wrong with that question?"
"Seems trivial."
"In the many years I have known you, barring our relationship and the one you had with Stacy…you are a man that has openly avoided long-term intimacy like the bubonic plague. I'm just curious to find out who more about the girl that started it all off."
House looked down to his plate and took a small bite of lasagna. Cuddy saw his hesitation and wondered why a simple question like this could already get to him. Then he recovered and looked at her, before he began. "Fine…let's see I was around twelve and her name was Melissa something or other. She rejected me when I asked her to a school dance, even though I gave her a mixed tape." House offered nothing else and continued to eat.
Cuddy shook her head, and finished swallowing her food, "You're lying."
"How can you say that? I spent hours making her that mixed tape, it was a very painful rejection."
"Why can't you answer the question?"
"I just did."
"No you avoided it with a sarcastic quip."
"I thought you liked my wit."
"I do when it's not nasty or directed at me…or a way to side step a simple inquiry."
"You sure put a lot of restrictions on when you can appreciate my humor."
"House, what are you hiding now?"
"Can we drop it?"
"Well I would have let it go, but now you have me curious."
"You have heard the old adage before right? The one about curiosity being a bitch to cats."
"Well it's a good thing I'm not a cat."
"True…although I have fantasized about you dressed like cat woman." He attempted to make her smile, but she only arched her brow and continued to look back at him, her skin glowed wonderfully in the candlelight.
He bowed his head, and sighed deeply. A part of him wanted to keep avoiding her question, but a bigger part of him wanted to just be honest, even if it hurt. "You really want to know…I was fifty one the first time my heart was broken."
"Fifty…" her eyes grew wide in disbelief, "Me? I was the first girl to break your heart?" House focused his eyes to his plate before he braved to look back at her instantly regretting revealing what he just had. It was written all over his face, this was not an act. She put her fork down and leaned closer to him, forcing him to stay connected with her.
"You were the first woman I truly allowed in…I spent my whole life keeping my distance. Never allowing anyone to get close, until you." House finished what he started. Speaking the truth, for once.
Cuddy tried to wrap her head around his words, "What about Stacey…your leg? I know that broke your heart…I was there." She asked hesitantly with a shaky voice.
"I did love Stacy, but when it ended it didn't break my heart. I always knew it would end…so ultimately I was okay with letting her go. At the time I had bigger problems than losing a woman I knew I couldn't spend the rest of my life with." House's shoulders slumped as he leaned forward so their faces were much closer than before, he felt heavy from the weight of having to talk openly, "You see there is a valid reason why I hate to answer personal questions…especially when it causes you to have such a sad face."
Their eyes stayed with each other, and Cuddy felt at a loss for words over what she had just been told. She set her fork down on her plate and reached her hand back over to find his, placing her palm in his. She wanted to feel connected to him, her heart was aching with regret. "House…I'm so sor-"
"Wait…tonight isn't about all of this. I answered your question." House interrupted before she could speak further, and tickled the underneath of her hand with his fingers.
Cuddy relaxed a bit and knew he was absolutely right. Dwelling on past mistakes for either one of them was only going to cause them to regress in their newly blooming relationship.
The background song change once more and Cuddy could make out Al Green began soulfully filling the room with his pure voice. She got up from her seat, still holding onto his hand and came to stand next to his side. "How's your leg?" House stared up at her, she could feel his fingers continue to caress her skin, and she knew he probably didn't even realize his actions, but it felt wonderful.
"Still with me." House answered simply.
"Want to dance with me?" She knew he wouldn't refuse and he didn't disappoint her. He nodded slightly and pulled himself up, using her hand for a little support. She smiled brightly, immediately enraptured by the closeness of him, and pulled them both to the side of the room. Letting go of his hand, she wrapped her fingers around the back of his neck, and she felt House's arms encircle her low around her waist, drawing her closer to him.
"Remember the last time we slow-danced?" House leaned his mouth to her ear while he spoke, tickling her neck with his breath.
"You mean the night I ditched you on the dance floor?" Cuddy leaned her head back to make eye contact with him, a look of regret on her face.
"True…you wimped out on me."
Cuddy worried her lip between her teeth, "Yes I did. You caught me off guard that night."
House nodded his head and ran his hand delicately up her spine, causing Cuddy to shiver in response. "Well when the woman I fantasized about for years showed up in front of me in hot pants and tights, actually wanting to dance with me…I guess you caught me off guard too. And I have to say, even though it ended quicker than I had originally planned, I considered it to be an extremely successful night."
"And what had you originally planned?"
"To sweep you off your feet of course…followed by placing you seductively down on my bed and having my way with you." House grinned at her.
"Why do you think I ran?" Cuddy smiled faintly, "If the timing were different that night I would have let you fulfill your wishes…I wanted to…more than you know."
"Good to know." House responded with a whisper, as they continued to move slowly together to the music.
"Plus your costume was incredibly sexy." She teased.
"Ah, you have an Amadeus fetish…if you'd like I can rent that again."
Cuddy laughed against his shoulder as they mirrored each other; inching even closer together enveloped in a tight embrace. The curves of their bodies molded perfectly from head to toe as they swayed to the seductive music. House couldn't help himself and allowed his hand to slip even lower down her waist and cup her butt in his hand. "Oh how I've missed you and your masterful ass." He whispered under his breath.
She continued to giggle and flush with excitement, resting her head on his shoulder she turned her face and placed a soft kiss on his neck. "I've missed some things about you as well." She spoke, pulling back so their noses were practically touching.
"Like what?" House lightly inquired.
"Well while your ass is quite masterful too…what I missed was more northern." Cuddy saw House raise his eyebrows, waiting for her to continue. "Your lips…I missed kissing you."
They held each other's stare for a few moments before House leaned his head and brushed his lips against hers. Her hands came down and she pressed them to his warm chest as he trapped her firmly to him. The kiss deepened immediately, his hands weaved into her hair, the smell of her shampoo engulfed his senses and the world seemed to melt away.
House pulled away slightly and began trailing a line of kisses across her jaw, and Cuddy felt herself opening her eyes to him, impulsively wanting to see his face as he touched her. The love she felt for him in that moment was more intense than she thought possible. House sensed her watching him and placed another soft kiss to her cheek before he opened his eyes to look at her. She let out a shaky wonderful sigh of contentment and she reached up her hands and cupped his face. Running her fingers over his mouth, she leaned up and placed another kiss upon his flushed lips. She could feel him swallow a moan against her mouth as she sucked his bottom lip softly between her own.
Finally breaking apart from being utterly engrossed within the wonderful feeling of kissing one another, House found her hand and locked his fingers around hers. "Ready for dessert?"
Cuddy tilted her head, "Are we talking about real dessert here?"
"What exactly are you implying? You think I have a bottle of whip cream and fudge and planned on lathering your naked body until you looked like a sundae goddess?"
Cuddy swallowed, her throat suddenly feeling dry as he looked hungrily down to her. "Uh…yes…something to that effect."
House studied her reaction and his mouth fell open, "You would have said yes to that?" His voice came out much higher than he wanted.
She knew he could see her blushing even in the subdued light in the room. She bit her lip, "I plead the fifth."
"I can run to the store."
"I think regular dessert works better for tonight." She smiled and pulled his hand as she walked towards the door, bringing them both into the partially lighted kitchen. She looked around for hints of what he had prepared, "Let's see…my favorite dessert is-"
"Tiramisu." House came up behind her and opened up the refrigerator, pulling out a small round platter with a generous piece of tiramisu. He set it down on the counter and reached around her to grab a fork, holding it up to her eye level for her to grab hold of.
Cuddy grinned as she took it from his fingers and turned around to cut a bite with her fork. She could feel House trap her from behind. His hands coming up on either side of her to rest on the counter. She finished her bite and cut another piece, turning around to him and placing a sliver of the treat in his mouth. "This tastes perfect." Cuddy wiped a spot of chocolate off the corner of his mouth and pulled herself up to sit on top of the counter. Scooting the plate close to her side she fetched another bite of tiramisu and savored it. House's hands came to rest on her hips as he watched her eat.
"I've officially cooked you a four course meal now."
"Yes you have…and it was beyond incredible." Cuddy kissed him lightly, "Except now you have opened Pandora's box because your cooking is too fantastic not to want again and again."
"Well hopefully we can balance that with other things that you hopefully want again and again." House brought his head closer, moving her hair away from her neck to kiss her soft skin; his tongue running lightly over a spot that he knew drove her insane, as he felt the goose bumps rise on her arms.
She leaned her neck allowing him even better access, biting back a groan in response to his tantalizing caresses. He worked his way back to her lips, sparks shooting through them both as they met in passionate kiss. Their tongues danced gloriously against each others, hands roaming freely over one another's bodies…
"Ring…ring!" The sound of Houses phone resting on the counter where he left it earlier in the evening broke them painfully apart as they both turned to stare loathsomely at the interruption. House hung up on the intrusive caller instantly and turned back to run his fingers down her arms, leaning down to kiss her once more…
"Ring…ring! They groaned simultaneously as House reached for his phone without looking and answered it with a groan. "What?"
"House I know you're with Cuddy but you needed to know…its Chase. He's been in a car accident. Paramedics are bringing him in now."
Cuddy saw House's expression and silently mouthed 'what' while searching his face; she knew it wasn't a good call.
"How bad is it?"
"I know he's conscious but that's it. Thirteen was with him…but I'm told she's fine. They're both being brought in now, I'm on my way." Wilson spoke hurriedly.
House sighed and pinched his nose between his fingers. "I'll meet you there." He shut his phone off and threw it on the counter.
"What happened?" Cuddy caught hold of his arm as she slid off the counter to rest her heels on the floor.
"Chase and Thirteen were in an accident."
"Are they conscious?"
"Yeah."
"Well come on." Cuddy walked over and shut the fridge door, reaching for the keys, her jacket and her purse on the counter before she turned back to him. "You coming?"
House sighed heavily again and grabbed the keys out of her hand. "Yeah…" He picked up his phone and placed it in his pocket. "But if Chase makes it through this…I'm going kill him for ruining our date."
Cuddy nodded and hooked her arm in the crook of his elbow, as they began walking to the door. "Sounds like Chase has a rough road ahead then."