Insert usual disclaimers here. Don't own them--never have, never will. All the O/Cs are belong to me. :D
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House and Avery were seated in the small chapel next to Wilson, Wilson's date, and Cuddy, who had brought Rachel. The young child was seated next to Cuddy, swinging her little legs, a bored expression on her face.
House squirmed slightly, stretching his legs in front of him, playing with his tie. "Are they going to get this show on the road or what?" He muttered to Avery. "Looks like they're running a little behind."
"I'm sure it's fine, baby. Hadley's probably just nervous." Avery covered House's hand with her own. Between House and Rachel, the front row was liable to be a hotbed of activity today.
"Maybe one of you should check on her?" Wilson's brow wrinkled in concern.
Wilson no sooner got the words out of his mouth than Cameron appeared, bending down in front of the small group.
"Remy's freaking out." She whispered. "I can't get her to come out of the dressing room, and we're about ready to start the procession. "
Avery and Cuddy looked at each other. Of the two of them, Avery was in a better position to help out. She rose from her chair to follow Cameron. "I don't know how much good I'll do, but I'll try."
Foreman arched an eyebrow, looking worried as his eyes followed Avery and Cameron. He managed to catch House's eye, mouthing "What's going on?".
House shrugged, then waved him over. Foreman rolled his eyes in mild exasperation, not sure what outrageous thing to expect from his boss. He bent down, his deep eyes intent on House.
"This had better not be one of your stupid damn pranks, House." Foreman hissed.
"Swear to your non-existent God, it's not me this time." House scowled in response. "Apparently your bi-bride's got some cold feet. Avery and Cameron are trying to talk some sense into her. Get a grip."
Foreman visibly relaxed and rose to his feet. Matthews was nothing if not a sensible woman, and if she was involved, things would probably be okay. God knows she probably dealt with all matter of insanity as a result of being involved with House. It was probably good training for dealing with Remy.
Cuddy looked worried, the administrator in her kicking in. "Can one of you keep an eye on Rachel? I want to make sure everything's okay."
"Fine, park her here." House gestured to Avery's empty chair. "I'll keep the little squirt amused for a minute. You like video games?" The small child nodded silently as House produced his PSP from his jacket pocket. "Yeah, I get bored waiting, too." He pushed a few buttons, starting the racing game he had loaded as Rachel's face changed from boredom to fascination.
Cuddy paused, watching the two of them interact. She had always known House was good with kids. He seemed to understand them in a way few adults did, but she was still surprised at the kindness he showed her young daughter. She smiled slightly and strode up the aisle in search of the other three women.
She found Cameron and Avery outside the dressing room door, discussing the situation, hearing sobbing on the other side of the door.
"What's going on?" Cuddy's voice was tinged with concern.
"Not sure. We can't seem to get her calmed down enough to understand." Cameron's mouth was twisted with worry.
Cuddy knocked on the door. "Hadley? It's Cuddy. How can we help?"
Oh, great. Now my boss's boss is hounding me. "Leave me alone, please?" Thirteen's voice took on a pleading quality through her tears.
Avery gently shooed the other two women away. "I'll try to handle this. You two go back. I'll keep you posted."
Cameron and Cuddy looked at each other before nodding and walking away.
Avery sighed, knocking on the door once again. "Hadley? It's Matthews. Open up."
"No."
Avery huffed in frustration. This was going to be tougher than she thought. Her mind went back to House's comment the other night…something about not thinking about growing old at all, never mind with someone. Her attitude toward Hadley softened. Hadley probably wouldn't get a chance to grow old at all, period. She had to be scared out of her wits.
"I guess we'll have to have this little chat through the door, then."
"There's nothing to talk about."
Avery heard a distinct clink of metal crutches behind her. Suddenly House appeared, scowling, leaning on his crutches.
"What are you doing here?"
House shrugged. "Thought you could use some back up."
Avery sighed. "Have at it, baby. I'm not getting anywhere with her."
House lumbered to the door, banging on it with his crutch. "Thirteen, get your ass out here. You're holding up progress."
Thirteen couldn't help smirking a little at the sound of her boss's rough voice.
"I guess if I had to marry Foreman, I'd cry too." House leaned against the door, listening to the tears slow down, a soft giggle emerging from behind the door. He smirked and winked at Avery. "Head on back. I think I'm breaking her down."
"Good luck. I'll give the others a report."
As soon as Avery was a sufficient distance away, House resumed his conversation with Thirteen. "Still alive in there?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, it's just us now. What the hell's going on?" House paused before continuing. "You know, this would be a hell of a lot easier if you'd just let me in. I need to sit down."
The door flew open, and House barely caught himself before he stumbled into Thirteen. Even with puffy eyes and a red nose, she was lovely in a simple satin gown, a short veil attached to a tiara on top of her head.
House appraised her from head to toe. "Seems a shame to let all that pretty go to waste in a closet." He sat heavily, waiting for an answer. "So…why the big freakout?"
"He's going to regret marrying me." Thirteen could feel the tears starting again. "Eventually…when the Huntington's takes over…he'll resent me. I can't do that to him."
House leaned back against the wall. "You're not giving Foreman much credit." Thirteen lifted her head questioningly. "You think he didn't know what he was getting into? He already knows what's coming, and he's pushing on anyway." House stared intently into Thirteen's eyes. "Lean on him. That's what he's there for. He's anal, kind of a twit, but…he's rock solid, and he loves you. He's done some damned stupid things in the name of that love, but marrying you isn't one of those things. Now get your scrawny ass out there any marry the fool already."
Thirteen sniffled, bursting into laughter. House's logic was twisted, but irrefutable. Finally she wiped her eyes and blew her nose. "Okay, you win. Again."
"Good. Now, where's your dad? Isn't he walking you down the aisle?"
Thirteen shook her head sadly. "He…couldn't make it. I was going to walk by myself."
House huffed and rolled his eyes. "You are an idiot. Someone should walk you down that damn aisle. It's…tradition, or so they say."
Thirteen smirked at House. "Would you? I mean…since you're here and all."
House glanced at his crutches. "As long as you don't mind going slow."
"We're already late. A few more minutes won't matter."
"Well, then." House heaved himself up. "Let's get this show on the road. Don't want the crowd to come after you with torches and pitchforks."
"I'll be right there." Thirteen stood, staring in the mirror, adjusting her tiara with shaking hands. She glanced in the mirror to see Avery standing there.
"Can I help?"
Thirteen nodded, turning to Avery so she could fix her tiara and veil. Avery fixed her with a warm smile, placing her hands on the younger doctor's shoulders.
"You look gorgeous. Foreman's going to faint when he sees you."
Thirteen laughed softly. "Thanks." She took a small breath, meeting Avery's eyes. "I'm sorry about…earlier. I guess I didn't think you'd understand what I was going through."
"It's fine. I'm just glad House managed to talk you down." Avery touched Thirteen's face, smiling gently. "Walk down that aisle, take that man's hand, and make the most of whatever time you have left. I know that's what I plan on doing with mine."
Thirteen's eyes started to go shiny again as House poked his head in. "Aw, dammit, babe. I just managed to make her stop crying." He jerked his head at Thirteen. "Are we going or what?"
"Let's go."
Avery handed Thirteen her bouquet as Cameron emerged from the bathroom, looking a little ill. She looked a little horrified when she saw Avery and House outside the sanctuary.
"Is everything okay?"
"All good, baby mama." House straightened up as Thirteen stepped in beside him. "Now, if you don't mind, we've got a wedding to get to."
The music started, and the pair started down the aisle. Avery and Cameron slipped behind the crowd, quickly walking down one of the side aisles to their respective spots. Avery sat next to Rachel as Cameron gave Chase and Foreman a small thumbs up sign.
"Where's House?" Wilson whispered to Avery.
"You'll see."
# # #
The crowd turned when the music started, and there was widespread murmuring when everyone saw who was walking Thirteen down the aisle.
"Check it out. We're rock stars." House whispered in amusement to Thirteen.
Thirteen chuckled softly, smirking at House. "Shh. Just keep moving."
"You're not going to throw up or anything, are you?"
"No, House!" Thirteen hissed at him. "I'm fine."
"Good."
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, House and Thirteen made it to the altar. Thirteen squeezed House's arm before letting him go. "Thank you for…everything." She whispered.
House was vaguely uncomfortable. "Well…you know. You're on your own now, Thirty-One." He moved over to the nearest chair, sitting heavily next to Avery.
She took his hand after he set his crutches aside. "Are you okay?"
"Fine. Let's watch the show now." He squeezed her hand, but didn't let go. He leaned across Avery to Rachel, gesturing to her to give back the PSP. "You can crash more cars later. Your mom will get pissy if you play that thing all through the wedding."
Rachel reluctantly gave back the PSP and hopped off the chair to rejoin her mother, climbing into her lap and snuggling up to Cuddy.
"Cute kid." House muttered to Avery. "Maybe she could hang out with us once we get moved."
"Maybe." Avery gave House a warm smile. "What brought that on?"
House shrugged. "It's a two-for-one thing. I get to practice being the weird uncle, and I drive Cuddy up the wall. Sounds like a win-win to me."
Avery smacked House lightly in the arm. "You're a mess. Now hush, they're starting."
The minister started the ceremony, and Foreman and Thirteen stepped toward each other. Foreman showed some emotion for a change, his big brown eyes turning shiny as he took Thirteen's hands, speaking his vows, barely managing to choke out "I do.".
Thirteen's tears started again, and House could see her shoulders shaking as she recited similar vows. He heard a sniffle beside him, and he turned to see tears running down Avery's face. House smiled a little and pulled Avery close to him, lightly kissing the top of her head.
Thirteen managed to finish her part, whispering "I do.", placing the ring on Foreman's ring finger and squeezing his hand lightly.
The minister introduced the newly married couple, and the crowd burst into applause as they rushed up the aisle. Foreman let out a loud whoop as they exited the sanctuary, much to the amusement of the crowd. Chase and Cameron followed them up the aisle, sharing a loving look as they exited.
"Damn, glad that drama's over." House rose, situating himself on his crutches as the crowd filed out.
Avery laughed and smacked House on the arm. "Are you up for the reception?"
"Ow…I don't know. Maybe if you quit beating me up…"
"You're alright, baby. Let's get moving."
House felt a tug on his suit jacket. It was Rachel, looking up at him with wide eyes. "What's up, kid?"
"Can I play your game again?"
"Not right now. Maybe later."
"When later?"
"Later." House glanced over at Cuddy. "Get your kid. She's nagging me."
"That's what you get for hooking her on video games." Cuddy gave him a pointed look. "Now she'll nag me for one."
"They're not so bad. Develop hand-eye coordination, critical thinking skills…"
"They'll rot her brain. Stop encouraging her." Cuddy scolded House as she led Rachel away.
House smirked at Avery. "See? Mission accomplished."
Avery rolled her eyes. "Oh, Lord have mercy. Let's just get to the reception. All of a sudden I'm in need of a drink."
# # #
House and Avery made it just in time for Foreman and Thirteen's first dance as a married couple. They stood just outside, watching them become completely lost in each other. House placed his chin on Avery's shoulder, planting a quick kiss on her neck.
"That'll be us before too long." Avery whispered to House.
"Hmmm…can't promise I'll be that smooth on my feet. Even at my best I kind of have two left feet."
"You'll do." Avery turned slightly, placing her hand on House's smooth cheek and kissing him. "I'm sure we can work something out."
"Sure you're right." The song ended and Foreman led Thirteen over to one of the tables. Wilson stood up and took over, taking the place of Thirteen's father for the traditional father-daughter dance.
Thirteen had chosen 'Tangled Up Puppet' as her song. It seemed like an unusual choice, and House found himself listening closely to the lyrics.
The last verse hit House hard. I have watched you take shape from a jumble of parts…and find the grace and form of a fine work of art…hey you, my brand new woman, newly come into her own…don't you know that you don't need to grow up all alone…
House took a deep, ragged breath, fighting the emotional tide that washed over him. Damn that Harry Chapin, anyway. This was why he wasn't a fan. His songs seemed to hit just a little too close to home. Seemed like he was more of a father figure to Thirteen than he thought. Damn. Foreman would take good care of her though, House was sure of that. Sure, she'd probably resent him from time to time, but it would be a small price to pay for the loyalty and love they would share for however long they had.
He chuckled to himself, amused at the parallels between Foreteen's relationship and his and Avery's relationship. Of course, he'd long noticed the parallels between himself and Thirteen. It had a lot to do with why he hired her in the first place. He had just never bothered to analyze the parallels in their relationships before. It was…interesting, to say the least.
"Are you alright over there?" Avery looked at him questioningly.
"Fine. Let's go join the party already."
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