The next morning Cuddy walked into her office and she was surprised to find a mug of hot coffee resting on the desk without any note or card attached. There was only one person who would use this tactic and he happened to be sitting just a few feet away resting on the couch.

"Good morning."

"Morning, what are you doing here so early?"

"Oh, well you know me Cuddy, I can't stay away from this place for more then eight hours at a time."

"Right. What's the real reason?"

"(sigh) My father's joining me and my mother for dinner tonight. Did you want to meet him?"

It surprised Cuddy how nervous House had seemed when he asked her this question. Why?

"Would you like me to?"

"I wouldn't be asking if I didn't."

"Then, yes."

That's when House furrowed his brow and shot Cuddy a look that spoke volumes.

"How was that so easy? I thought for sure I'd have to agree to more clinic hours before you'd agree to come."

"That could be arranged."

"Too late Cuddles, you had your chance. That ship has sailed."

This being said, House limped towards the door but was called back by Cuddy.

"House-"

Walking towards him, the dean of medicine could feel the anticipation growing in the pit of her stomach as she stood next to him by the door.

"Thanks for the coffee" (and kissed him softly on the cheek which prompted House to joke)

"Don't thank me. Thank Folgers Crystals" (before exiting the room and limping over to the elevators.)

It wasn't like he'd never considered Cuddy more then a friend. After all the banter and sexual tension they'd exchanged over the years the idea of something more had never been that far out of reach. How could he know for sure?

You can't. All you can do is trust that things will work out and hope for the best.

The words trust and hope had never been part of House's vocabulary, that is until now. Meeting his father had given House a new perspective on how the world works and what could be. If a father and son could be reunited after a life time of apart then maybe, just maybe he could have a successful relationship with Cuddy.

*************************************************************

"I'm having a couple people for dinner tonight, are you in?"

"Thanks, but I'm not into cannibalism."

"Funny. It should be laughs, my dad's making his famous chicken cacciatore or at least its supposedly famous I really don't know I haven't actually tried it."

House was rambling and Wilson knew it but rather then bring attention to the obvious, James let his friend continue.

"…Cuddy's coming too."

"You invited her?"

"Well, I really didn't have a choice after last night, if you know what I mean."

"I assume that means you told her about…"

"(nods) she knows everything now."

Wilson was very impressed. It wasn't like House to open up about anything of importance but now, that appeared to have changed to some degree.

"Wow."

"Yeah, look at me I'm growing."

"To some degree."

"Don't tell anybody though, it'll kill my image."

"Your secret's safe with me."

This being said, House leaned back in his chair and looked around the cafeteria. It was lunch time and the chow hall was buzzing with hungry personnel. A smirk spread out across the diagnostician's face as he spotted Doctors Foreman and Mercedes sitting at a near by table.

"Look at that. Young love, only problem is their too clueless to see it."

"There's a lot of that going around."

At this comment, House shot his friend a coy smile while stealing a fry from Wilson's plate.

"So, are you coming or not?"

"Gee, I don't know. Will there be any single attractive members of the fairer sex?"

"Just one and she goes by the name of party pants."

"Well, in that case how can I refuse?"

"How indeed, especially since you'll be bringing the appetizers."

*************************************************************

That evening when House got home from work, he immediately spotted his father's car standing in the driveway. It was a classic, mint condition, red Ferrari that looked like it had been taken right out of Magnum P.I. all that was missing was the signature Robin one license plate on the back.

As he entered the apartment the smell of freshly baked bread met his nose as House followed the aroma into the kitchen where he found both his parents cooking and chatting away completely unaware of House's presence from the doorway.

"This looks delicious Blythe."

"Well, I followed your recipe Henry."

House couldn't help but smile to himself as he watched this exchange take place in front of him. So this is what a normal family was supposed to look like. To think I almost missed out on it.

"Well, well look who decided to grace us with his presence. Come on in and help Greg unless you'd like to remain masquerading as part of the scenery."

The glint in Henry's eyes met his lips at this moment as he walked over to his son and patted him on the back.

"So, how's life as a doctor treating you today?"

"Everyday is pretty much the same. I get up, go to work, save a life and still have enough time left over to watch my favorite soap that is unless Cuddy's already tracked me down before 3:15."

This explanation prompted a look from both of his elders which House did not appreciate or understand.

"What?"

"We know your not happy Greg."

"(sigh) Mom, I really don't want to talk about this right now. My friends are going to be here in less then four hours and I need to go change. Excuse me."

As he limped down the hall, House could feel a pang of guilt wash over him like a warm blanket. He knew his mother meant well but now really wasn't the best time.

A knock at the door distracted House from his thoughts for the time being as his father entered the room. His features were a mix between Sean Connery and Daniel Craig with the signature piercing glare that could only be described as House.

"Your mother was only trying to help. She's concerned about you."

"I don't need her help or her concern. I just need some time."

"For what?"

"To figure what's going on inside my head. Wish me luck."

A smile spread out across Henry's face as he nodded his head in understanding while heading for the door but not without replying…

"Look Greg, I know that things have been a little weird lately, what with me waltzing back into your life and all but, I want to you know that if there's anything you need…"

"I know Henry…dad, and thanks. (pause) um, actually there was something I wanted to ask you about."

"Shoot."

"What do you know about women?"

"Ah women, simple yet complex, a paradox, one of the seven wonders of the world (sigh) enough with the rant. Honestly, what I know about women is this, you can have all the money in the world, all the medals and all the glory but unless you've got the love a woman bone of that matters. (sigh) I can tell by that look on your face there's something or someone on your mind. What's her name?"

"Doctor Lisa Cuddy and she'll be here at seven."