"You're feeling better," Cuddy said.
"I guess," House muttered, leaning his head onto her shoulder. "It's a dull ache right now. Better than feeling like it's tied up all in knots."
Cuddy smiled as she felt his scruff against the soft skin of her neck, like a cat's tongue. It sent a shiver down her spine, then back up and down again.
"You want to stick with your prescription, or do you want to try something different?"
"I'll stay with it for now," he said. "It's helping."
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
He was feeling better, but for how long? Even if his leg wasn't tied up in knots and swinging from the hangman's tree, House himself was. He was worried that the pain wouldn't go away the next time. He was worried that he was going to say something nasty in the heat of the moment and she wouldn't forgive him. He was worried that he was going to find a stash of Vicodin and be unable to help himself, putting him right back at 'Go' without a Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card or two hundred dollars. He was worried about worrying so much. How much longer could either of them expect him to keep this up?
She reached over and tilted his chin up until their eyes met. "You need to relax," she gently scolded.
"Easier said than done. I've got a lot on my mind."
"I know you do, but can't you empty that overactive mind of yours and take a breather for an hour or two?"
"Keeping my mind busy keeps it off the pain. I'm only sitting down because I'm too tired to cook anymore."
"You cooked all day," she noted. "You deserve a break."
"I'm taking one," House pointed out.
"No, you're not. You're sitting here pouting and getting all riled up again."
"You got any better ideas?" he challenged. "Before hopping in the sack with me was your preferred method of unwinding after a long day, whatever did you do to stay sane?"
Cuddy thought for a minute, then it hit her. It was warm, girly scented goodness and just what House needed to unwind. He'd bitch and moan for a half a second, then be a boneless blob within five minutes.
Noticing the mischievous twinkle in her eye, his brow knitted and his mouth pressed into a thin line. "What have I just got myself into?" he mumbled, almost to himself.
"Wait here." It wasn't a request, it was a command.
She rushed out of the room before House could argue.
Now intrigued, House sat there, watching and listening. The squeak of the hall closet drifted into the room, as did the shuffling of her feet. Her shadow appeared then turned and marched back down the hall with her. Then the sound of the bathtub being filled. After a few minutes the air was tinged with the faintest hint of vanilla.
More faint squeaks at the bath water was turned off. Ten seconds later Cuddy reappeared in a t-shirt and shorts, her haired pinned up. As she made her way back around the sofa, she paused to pick up a small remote. A button was pushed and Enya's haunting voice began to stream out of the speakers.
"Let's go," she urged, holding out her hand.
House took it and followed her down the hall to the bathroom. The scent of vanilla was stronger. He noted the light was faint and flickering, then he saw why: Only the small light above the mirror was on, the rest of the soft light came from an array of vanilla scented candles. A tubful of warm water and suds was waiting for someone step into it.
"What is this, Cuddy? Quitting your job at the hospital and opening up a day spa?"
"This is how I kept you from driving me too crazy," she replied. "Now it's going to keep your leg from driving you back to Mayfield."
"A bubble bath is going to help me?"
"Aromatherapy," she clarified. "It's amazing how a warm bath and some scented candles will kill stress. Now get in."
"Do I get a seaweed wrap and cucumber facial, too?"
"Not today. Now get in before I throw you in."
"Hmph," he grumbled. "The things I do to keep you happy." He peeled off his shirt and noticed Cuddy clothes were still on. "You're not joining me?"
She shook her head and said, "I don't want to hurt your leg. Maybe next time."
"I'll keep that in mind," he said with a salacious grin, and Cuddy had no doubt that he would.