A/N: Sorry for the rocky start. I had to change musicals because I couldn't find a libretto for Fiddler without actually paying for it, and I already have it for Phantom… (The version from The Complete Phantom of the Opera, just so you know.)

My apologies if House seems a tad OOC…I'm between the Stuart Little movies and season 1 (the latter of which NetFlix will deliver next week).

Standard Disclaimer Still Applies

Chapter Two
A Brief Respite

"You're full of it!" House crossed his arms and rolled his eyes.

"No, I'm serious!" Allison tried not to giggle. "I think you're going to end up as the Phantom. Don't you think so, Doctor Cuddy?"

"Oh, yes!" Lisa nodded enthusiastically.

"He's certainly got the right attitude!" jibed Stacy.

"Of course, if you aren't interested, I will certainly take your part." By the tone of his voice, James was fairly preening himself.

"I don't think it's a matter of whether or not Dr. House wants the part," interrupted Eric. "It's more like if Ms. Havilland chooses him to play the Phantom, then House has no other option."

"I could quit," offered Greg.

"You won't," muttered Robert. "You'd rather turn in your stethoscope than pass this up."

"That sounds good too." House agreed.

"House!" The group exclaimed in unison.

"A little bit of community service never hurt anyone," sniffed Dr. Cuddy.

"How do you figure?"

"Figure what?"

"How do you figure that doing this is community service?" House was clearly annoyed.

"It's more of an emblematic thing," said James.

"Yeah. Emblematic of you snapping at people in a location other than the hospital!" Eric muttered.

"Now, now!" Lisa scolded. "Try to act like men and not two-year-olds, hmm?"

Stacy glanced at her watch. "Bickering time is over, boys. We need to get back into the theatre, or Ms. Havilland will have our hides."

Thank Yous

--Sally Skellington: My first reviewer…Yay!

--Dr. Colander: If you can figure out how to work the Muppets in without totally f-ing up the story, I'm open to suggestions!

--100 cc Morphine: Glad to know that we're on the same page about Cuddy! ;)

Before I Forget…

If I keep getting a good response, I will mention this to Hugh (or his agent, or whoever answers) when I write to England for an autographed picture. (It's going to be a few weeks, though…I don't have enough money for an International Reply Coupon at the moment.)