(Several days later)
Dr. Adams was quiet, sparing her passenger an amazed glance. Looking ahead, she slowed, flicked on her turn signal and waited for her turn; then swung into a parking lot. "You sure you're ready for this?"
"Yep."
"Okay, well...Try not to blow it this time." She parked, and he unbuckled.
"Cuddy's a lot more resilient than Stacy." House looked ahead over the dashboard again, and took a breath. "Would you come in with me? I'd like a woman's opinion on the ring."
Adams almost smiled, honored by his confidence in her. "Yeah, I'd love to."
They got out of the vehicle and regrouped on one side of it. Adams looked at the intimidating man limping along beside her. And for his sake, she found herself desperately hoping that Cuddy would say yes. The pair entered the jewellery store and House looked quickly to his right, where the ghostly mirage of Thirteen smiled at him. At her voice, Adams turned around. "Welcome to Charm Diamond Centres; my name is Remy Hadley. I think you'll really appreciate our selection of rings. I'm here when you're ready."
"Thank you," Adams said, and House stared at her.
"Not a problem."
House watched in breathless horror as Thirteen took off her punk-chic hat, revealing the bullet wound that was just beginning to bleed. She ran her hands through her hair and her wide, ocean storm-colored eyes flitted up to House. She smiled. "Are you two together?"
"No, I'm just helping," Adams answered, and House looked at her again. Adams inquisitively met his eyes. "Do you think she'd prefer big or small diamonds?"
House stuttered nonsensically, quietly.
Adams moved closer to the glass. "Okay, well, I think she would like..." Her voice trailed off as she inspected the rings. "Number thirteen."
Thirteen approached as a wave of sudden heat rushed over House. He tried not to lose his balance, faint, or vomit; all of which felt probable. "Good choice," Thirteen said. "It's my favorite one. Reminds me of the necklace Foreman gave me. What do you think, House?"
"M-me?"
Adams looked at him like he was nuts. Well, he was nuts.
"Uh, sure. Yeah." He gave a jerky nod. Whatever would get him out of there. "Can I see it, miss?" he added, deciding not to call her by name.
And he made the right call, because Adams suddenly hit him on the arm. "What is the matter with you?"
"What...what's wrong?"
"House, he's clearly a man."
House's eyes shot up to Thirteen's evil grin.