Hello!

I just realised that I hadn't updated this story in three weeks! From The Cradle To The Grave has been the sole focus of my writing time so far this summer, so I might have neglected those drabbles... Just a bit.

This drabble is set in season 7 and was mostly inspired by a landscape I saw while on a train between Pisa and Florence a few months back (Hi Ju!), and my trip to Cádiz, Spain (which is really fucking lovely, so if you ever find yourself in the area...) last month convinced me to put it down on paper (so to speak). I will however admit that I'm not an expert of New Jersey geography, so... please bear with me.

Before I let you read: thank you for your feedback! You guys are the best!

48. I hope you like it.

The heat wave in New Jersey had been reaching its peak when Cuddy decided to drive Rachel to Julia's – she had AC and the kid would be more comfortable staying there for a while.

A few days later, as the temperatures had somewhat subsided, House suggested that Cuddy took her Sunday completely off before picking up Rachel, and went on a bike ride with him. "Bring a towel and wear a bikini underneath your clothes – or nothing at all," he'd advised with a lecherous smirk. She'd rolled her eyes, but agreed anyway. These few days spent quietly at home with him and without Rachel had made her long to do more couple activities with him.

She'd packed everything into a backpack, which she strapped to her shoulders as she rode on his bike, holding onto his hips. At first, she was worried about wearing a helmet and all this leather in that heat, but the speed provided a cool wind that made the ride rather pleasant.

After a long time – she'd decided to forgo her watch – spent riding along the winded, deserted roads of the countryside, House stopped by a large field of tall grass. Further towards the horizon, she could discern a glimmer of water. When they'd walked there, Cuddy realised it was a small lake with sandy shores. The landscape was bathed in sunlight, and devoid of any human presence.

They had the entire place to themselves.

While she tried to remember how long it had been since she had set foot on a beach, she hurried to get rid of her backpack and clothes, revealing a plain back bikini.

"Are you coming?" she asked as she ran to the lake. The sand was burning the soles of her feet, and without a hesitation, she ran into the lake until she had water up to her shoulders. Then, she dunked her head into the water for a few seconds, eager to feel the air hit her wet hair when she would be reaching the shore again.

She walked back to House, who had picked up the backpack. He handed her her tee-shirt for her to wear, and motioned towards a patch of grass and tall trees further along the shore. They walked side by side, the water pulling at her ankles as it retreated back. She watched him walk beside her, and he didn't seem affected by it, even with his limp. Remembering how frail she was compared to him, she took his hand.

By the time they reached the trees, she was all dried up and it felt necessary to be in the shade again, which is where they settled. Cuddy removed her tee-shirt and lay down on her stomach, House sprawling on his back beside her.

She rested her hand on his bare chest, feeling it lift up and down as he breathed. The heat did not feel as stifling as before and she revelled in the silence for a while, interrupted now and then by a bird chirping nearby, or the sound of the waves if she focused hard enough.

"How did you even know about this place?" she asked eventually.

He shrugged. "Found it while I was driving around, a few years back." She nodded. "I hope you like it."

She grinned. "I do. We'll have to come more often."

"Maybe with Rachel."

"Yeah. She'd love the water."

Satisfied with his suggestion, she closed her eyes while the back of his hand caressed the length of her spine.