House stayed at the apartment long enough to sweep up the feathers and tag what he wanted to keep. He knew it was backwards, but it was faster that way. Then he rode back to Cuddy's and limped agonizingly up the steps, letting himself in. Cuddy wasn't home and she wouldn't be for hours; so he returned to the television to see what was on. Channel surfing led him to Jaws, just in time to see Tom's embolism. Resisting the urge to break Cuddy's TV, he flipped to the news station and settled back against the couch. A story about a missing child preceded footage of arson. And then he found himself looking at his own face.

"And after twenty years of being presumed dead by millions, Gregory House, former diagnostician of Princeton-Plainsboro, was discovered to be alive. According to several locals, Gregory House claims his death was a mistake he was unaware of. However the hospital had this to say." The screen changed to show Dr. Taub, standing nervously in front of the camera, wearing his white coat. House leaned forward, staring at the footage.

"Actually, I-I only thought he was dead for ten years. He spent another ten in prison and I feel whatever he did, exaggerated or not; has been or should be exempted." Taub didn't know whether to look at the cameraman or into the camera.

"What happened ten years ago?"

"I really...don't want to discuss. No further questions, please." Taub was trying to back up into the hospital. "Uh, no further questions. Please, I just want to get to my office." He opened the door, and House could see Foreman reflected in the glass. He moved past the cameraman into the frame.

"Sir, what about you?"

Foreman looked annoyed and scared. "What about me what?" he demanded.

"Do you know the name, Gregory House?"

"Yeah. I do. And that's all I'm going to say."

"Sir, if you could please just answer some questions—" Then Foreman knocked the camera to the ground and House could only see his feet.

"Get out of my face." Foreman's feet turned around and stepped into the hospital.

"You alright there?" Chase's voice asked, and the camera was retrieved.

"Yeah. Is there...is there anything you'd like to add?"

"What I'd like to add is that this should all be behind us, what's done in done. He served more time than they gave him and...Dr. Taub is right. House should be exempted from what happened ten years ago."

"So you both knew before the rest of New Jersey. You're friends with House, aren't you?"

Chase screwed up his face. "Well, I...suppose that's one way of puttin' it. Yes."

"What happened ten years ago?"

Chase smiled and looked out at the parking lot, reflected in the door. Then he looked back at the cameraman. "Ten years ago, some idiot screwed up."

"That's all you have to say?"

"Yes." Chase stood there for a moment, then said, "No."

"Don't do it," House growled at the screen.

"Gregory House...told people he was unaware of his demise, but the truth is, the rumor was started by him. It wasn't a mistake." Chase's face froze for the duration of the blink of an eye before the screen changed back to the newscaster.

"As evidenced by the mixed reviews, there are people who will try and cover for this criminal, whose charges include forging signatures on drug prescriptions, as well as violating a DNR and several other patient rights. Law officers confirm Gregory House has served his time, but even this woman, who professes to be an old friend of his, aired this warning."

The screen changed again to Dr. Cameron. The sight of her face was like a fist to the nuts. He sat up quickly as she began to speak.

"He's a good guy. Deep inside, deeper than most. Deeper than you thought possible. You just, um...don't want to get too close to him. Because feeling happy, being kind...it takes some serious digging; and what it all comes down to is that you'll be the one holding the shovel."

"He doesn't sound like a good guy."

"He is. On occasion. And it's worth the reward; but the risk is, um...it's bigger. And just...don't let your guard down."

The newcaster appeared again; this time the little window with his face on it was gone. As she began talking about a bottle drive, House turned off the television. Smelling Cuddy's perfume behind him, he asked the most prolific question on his mind. "Why was Foreman at the hospital?"

"I honestly didn't know he came in."

"Then why are you early?"

She walked around the couch and sat beside him. "Foreman and Park wouldn't leave my office. After I got them out of the hospital, I thought...why go back to that?"

"What does he have to be scared of?"

"Not aiming for the camera." She gazed at him as he forced a dry chuckle. "How are you holding up?"

His bitter smile died and he shook his head, pausing before answering her. "I'm nervous."

She reached out and held his hand. "House?"

"Yeah."

"Would you mind if I change the subject?"

"Not at all! I welcome it," he added, looking over at her. "What's on your mind?"

She smiled sadly at him.

"I want a prenup."

For a moment the pair sat together in silence.

"A prenup," he repeated. "In case things go south."

"Yes. I'm not...planning for disaster, but I want to be ready. I'm not planning to die, but I have life insurance."

House nodded curtly. "Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yeah. I was thinking about our marriage failing, too. Decided not to sell."

"Oh? When?" she asked, her eyes following him as he stood up.

"Just now." He looked down at her worried eyes. "Don't worry," he said. "I'm not planning for disaster."

She watched him limp away.