CHAPTER 14: ENDS OR BEGINNINGS?
Gregory House was now leaving Nate Weinmann's office, a free man, his wife holding his hand. As the door opened and the couple exited, Robert Chase shouted, jubilantly, "And, here they are!"
"Chase? Is it you behind the testimonies?", House asked and said, "Thank you all". "Wait until I update you on something and thank me later, House", Chase replied. "I called your lawyer, you know, Mr. Ayers. What Tritter did is plainly illegal. He arrested your wife on no charges at all, kept both of you imprisoned, abused his authority to hunt you down, etc. Ayers said he can file a lawsuit against Tritter. The most possible outcome is that he loses his job and gets kicked out of the police altogether", the surgeon informed his superior. "When they give me my phone back, I'm calling Ayers. Thank you again, Chase", the diagnostician stated, to which Dominika added, "Thank you from depths of my heart, Dr. Chase".
"Well, House, you made it", Foreman could be heard remarking. "And all of you helped very much in this. I'd thank you again, but I'm just repeating myself", House quipped. "By the way, who informed the Board that Cuddy had a part in hurling those accusations?", Foreman asked and clarified, "Immediately after testifying, I called the Board, to ask if they knew anything about the case. They said they were already aware". "Not me, not you, not Chase, that's all I can say now", House responded. Foreman looked at his watch and said "Gotta go now. See you later in the hospital, House".
"Good to see you free again. You've developed a penchant for legal troubles as of late", was now Thirteen's time to remark. "Taking a leaf out of your book", he quipped, quickly adding, "A jest". "So, that's your wife? You weren't exaggerating, smoking hot", Thirteen mused, looking at Dominika. The two women shook hands, introducing themselves to each other, until House cut them off, saying, "I had been scheduling your appointment with the authorities before they arrested my wife. You know, about your license being reinstated. I think you should give them a call". Thirteen mumbled a thanks and hurried off. "Be careful with her, she likes girls almost as more as I do", House whispered to Dominika's ear, surprising her. "But she's damn good at her job and a good person", he honestly admitted.
"It seems your marriage begins in a tumultuous way", Taub popped in. "But you helped preserve it", House acknowledged. "Someone had to teach that bully a lesson", the plastic surgeon remarked. "Leave this now and try to save your own marriage", House adviced him, then added, "Thanks again", as his fellow turned to leave.
"I hope this was the last time I had to do that thing. It's... scary", Martha Masters confessed. "And a learning curve for you. You're clever, and you're starting to see the world for what it is. I'm glad I've created the internship for you", the diagnostician replied. "Thank you again. It's so chaotic, but I really like working with you", the young prodigy responded. "It's us who are thankful", Dominika interjected.
"House, it seems you weaseled out again", Wilson said with a smile. "Your testimony helped a lot, I guess. And your face confirmed that you believed most of what you said", his friend replied. "Well, I wish you both good luck. I have to go now, however. See you later, House", the oncologist said and left.
The rest of the witnesses also paused to congratulate the couple. Mrs. Galway invited them over for a cup of tea. Despite House's frown, Dominika graciously accepted the invitation on behalf of both. Soon, the two of them were standing alone, at an empty corridor. House rubbed his sore thigh a bit and sat on a chair, gesturing for his wife to sit next to him.
"Could you ever believe it?", she asked, her face glistening with joy. "Nah. I gotta give it to Chase and the others, they risked their heads for us", he responded, his hand on his thigh again. "Do you want me to take care of it?", she asked. "I'm managing, really", he replied.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to face her and, taking her hands in his, whispered, "You've done a lot for me those days. More than you realize. Tonight, you don't have to worry about taking care of me. Tonight, I'm taking care of you". Genuinely perplexed, she mused, "What do you mean? I'm not sick". "You're not, true. But, you're my wife and tonight your screwed up husband is trying to show you what you do really mean for him", he replied, looking at her straight in the eyes.
Not knowing what to say, Dominika stood silent. "Good girl", House playfully remarked. "Now, you go home and get some rest. I have some things to sort out, but I'm coming home earlier today. Don't you dare do any chores, cooking included. Tonight, I'm taking you out", he instructed. "House, I don't know what to...", her voice trailed off. "You don't need to say anything. Just rest. And my name is Greg, in case you've forgotten", he replied. "Oh, Greg!", she just whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck, immediately as Weinmann was exiting his office. "Calm down, honey, we have a watcher", he gently admonished, seeing the investigator. "Pardon the interruption, but I think there are more suitable places for getting all touchy-feely", Weinmann said with a chuckle. "Noted", House replied, gesturing for her to stand up. Waving goodbye to Weinmann, they left the building, Dominika tightly clutching House's arm.
He'd called a cab mere moments later. After seeing Dominika going home, he told the driver to drop him at the police station, to retrieve his motorcycle and phone, which Tritter had confiscated. Of the detective himself, there was no sign. He sighed with relief as he mounted his motorcycle, speedily getting away from that place.
Throughout the afternoon, he'd been occupied with many different things. Although he didn't go at the hospital, Chase had given him a call to inform him about both an emergency meeting of the Board and about the new case they were handling. Between this and that errand, the sun was about to set when he parked his vehicle and headed towards his apartment.
He opened the door and limped inside, the place completely dark and silent. "Dominika?", he sought her. He received no answer, but, seeing the bedroom door shut, he knew where she was to be found. Indeed, she was fast asleep on the bed. He hunched above her and gently prodded her shoulder. "Wake up, it's evening already", he said in a soft voice.
In a moment, she stirred and opened her eyes. "Sorry, I overslept", she apologized. "No need for apologies. Get dressed. I'll be waiting in the living room", he replied. She was there in a couple of minutes, having hastily tossed on the same shirt and pants she was wearing in the morning. Her hair was still a tad dishevelled, but he didn't mind. He was sitting on the couch, staring at her, once more drinking her beauty.
"Sit down for a moment", he requested, and she obliged. He pointed at her wedding ring and said, "With this ring, I thee wedded. Can you do me a favour and take it off?". She was clearly taken aback, her expression one of utter bewilderment. "Trust me", he added. With a sigh of discontent, she removed the ring from her finger. "Now, close your eyes", he softly requested. She did as bidden, breathing heavily. He produced a little box from his pocket, opened it to reveal a diamond ring, which he promptly slipped on her finger. "With this ring, I'm asking for your hand in marriage, for real, this time", he stated.
Dominika opened her eyes and looked at the jewel he'd given her. "It's... It's magnificent, it's beautiful!", she gasped in surprise. "A beautiful jewel for a beautiful woman", he quipped, cupping her cheek. She was at a loss for words, as if she'd forgotten how to speak. "If you want to find out what more I have in store for you, go grab a shower. A night in a cell doesn't give you a nice smell, you know", he added. Seeing her still fussing over how to properly express her gratitude for the ring, he remarked, "You thank me later. Now, go clean yourself".
She listened to him this time. Seeing her disappear into the bathroom, House searched his backpack and produced a bag from a clothes' store. He carefully opened it, revealing the splendid black dress he'd bought her, which he laid down on the bed. Taking a pair of Vicodin, he sat on the couch again, waiting for her to finish.
Some minutes afterwards, he enquired, "Are you done?". "Yes. I need to just dry myself off with towel", she clarified. "Why not go dry off in the bedroom? I could make good use of the tub. We really need to be going relatively soon", he said. "You just want to see me in nothing else but towel", she answered with a chuckle. "If we're gonna be husband and wife, I get to be seeing all of you", he quipped, eliciting another chuckle from her.
As she stepped out of the bathroom, the towel hugging her figure, he couldn't help but stare, admiring how beautiful she was. He got up, heading for the bathroom, as she entered the bedroom. Before he managed to walk in the bathroom, he could hear her voice, "You... bought this... for me?", she was saying in disbelief. "Consider it as a belated engagement gift", he quipped, adding, "I think it suits you perfectly", as he shut the bathroom door behind him.
After a while, he was done. As he went to get dressed, he caught sight of her, in the black dress and a pair of high heels he'd never seen before. "Wow", he observed, "you're gorgeous!". "Like what you see?", she asked, giving him a twirl. "I told you, you're irresistible", he whispered, pulling her in and breathing in her scent. After a few moments, he released her and went on with dressing.
"I'm ready", he announced. "You're so handsome, Greg", she said in genuine admiration. "At least no one is gonna think I'm a clown", he quipped. "Nonsense", she shot back, straightening the collar of his shirt a bit. "Mmm, all girls will die from envy tonight when they see my strong and handsome husband", she added, her fingertips brushing along his cheek, playing with his stubble. "Actually, it's all the boys who are gonna go green when they see my little wife", he mused.
"Are you ready?", he now asked. "I need to comb hair", she answered, looking over for her brush. "Not tonight. Tonight, I'm taking care of you", he reminded her. Leading her opposite of the big mirror, he brushed her hair skillfully, occasionally pausing to give her a chaste peck on the shoulders. "Here, all ready", he announced. "Let's go, then", she said with a smile, taking hold of his arm.
House parked his car and they walked towards the fancy restaurant he'd made the reservation at. "Mmm, you're a man of surprises", she shot him a mischievous wink. "It comes spontaneously to me when I'm with you", he replied. "Try to eat normally tonight. You're not a canary and you ain't getting fat, so, enjoy it", he instructed. "And you, don't eat so fast, food should be pleasure", she countered. "Fair point", House admitted.
It had been so delightful to hear her talk about herself and her life experiences. He, too, had opened up and told her of some precious few fun moments of his childhood. Hearing about him being a male cheerleader made her laugh so hard. She looks so cute when she laughs, he thought. "Hey, stop drinking", she requested. "Why?", he asked. "You're driving and I don't want us to be killed", she half-joked. "Then, help me empty that bottle", he shot back. "Challenge accepted", she said and he filled her glass. As she drank, a few drops of the red wine darted over her lips. "I wanna taste this vintage", he said and grabbed the back of her head, kissing the crimson fluid away. His kiss was what practically made Dominika totally lose her patience. "I can't take it any more", she whispered, adding, "Please, take me home and take me to bed". "As you wish", he responded, flashing her a smile.
He couldn't tell how he managed to keep his hands off of her when they rose from their seats, heading for his car. He couldn't tell how he managed not to throw her down on the backseat of the car and have her, there and now. He couldn't tell how he managed to walk all the way to the apartment door, strangely his leg giving him virtually no pain. Once the door was shut, he planted a fierce kiss on her lips, his hands roaming all over her body. He scooped her up and, despite all the limping, carried her to the bedroom, gently placing her on the bed. Heeding the call of nature, they made love with a passion, a couple for real now, giving in to their desire for each other.
They lay next to each other, catching their breath, worn out by the intensity of their coupling. House was absently staring at the ceiling, his arm wrapped over his wife protectively. "Penny for your thoughts?", Dominika asked playfully. "I was thinking Nolan's advice, that I should get happy, get better. Do you think we can make it together?", he replied. "I know that I'm happy with you and I want to be with you forever. I'm happy when you are happy", she said. "That's what I want, too. To be with you. Maybe we can be happy together, after all", he admitted. Instead of answering verbally, she snuggled up to him, her head resting on his shoulder. Sleep found them in this position.
When Dominika woke up on the next day, House had already risen. As she rubbed the sleep off of her eyes, he appeared in the bedroom, carrying a tray with breakfast for both. He also had two folded letters stuffed in the pocket of his robe and the newspaper under his arm. "Good morning", she greeted him. "Good morning to you, too", he answered, helping her drape a robe over herself. "I woke up in a good mood today and made us some breakfast", he added. "You shouldn't bother", she half-protested. "It's not only you who likes to take care of me", he shot back. "Fair enough", she admitted and took a bite from her food, praising his culinary skills on the next moment. "I also have some news that are gonna make your day, sort of. Weinmann says your papers should arrive next week. And Tritter is dead", he informed her. "Dead? How?", she enquired. "He got drunk and crushed his car against a bus. No one in the bus was critically injured, but Tritter's car was wrecked and he died on the way to the hospital. Check the newspaper for yourself. The other letter is from the Board. Apparently, they are investigating Cuddy's accusations against us", he clarified. "Wow", was all she managed to utter, adding, "I didn't want him dead, but I'm not gonna cry over that".
For a while, they enjoyed their breakfast, House sitting on the foot of the bed, close to her. After they were done, he announced, "I have to be going. Take it easy with housework", then paused and added, "And one more thing. Once you pick your papers up, we go for our honeymoon. I'm requesting a leave of absence one of these days", once again leaving Dominika at a loss for words. She mumbled "Thank you" for a number of times, until he cut her short with a kiss, declaring afterwards, "It's me who should say thanks. For everything".
She helped him get dressed and escorted him out of the apartment, watching as he mounted his motorcycle. Even after he'd disappeared from her view, she stood there, replaying the latest events in her mind. Yes, a new phase was beginning for both of them, inaugurating their quest for happiness.