Summary, disclaimer, etc. in chapter 1.
TrooperCam – the longer stories, I swear, will be finished; in fact, I expect to post a new chap of Thurs. today :)
xanya-forever – thanks for the in-depth reviews – just the thing a writer adores!
LastScorpion, PWCorgigirl, dontuwanakno – thanks also for reviewing! I'm glad you're liking these little snippets!
First Comes Love
December 1998
"So, Gregory," his mother said, "have you thought about asking her to marry you?"
"Mom," House whined as he stacked the dishes in the dishwasher.
She paused, turning to him. "I know your generation does things differently," she said gently, "but you've been living together for how long?"
House sighed. "We've thought about it," he said, "but aside from a tax break, we don't see the point."
His mother's warm smile was belied by the sadness that filled her eyes. "I thought you'd say that," she said. "You know your father and I would love a grandchild to spoil…"
"Neither of us has time to take care of a house plant right now," House said.
"Married to your work, I know," she said. "And Stacy is too. I just thought I'd put the thought out there."
"I'm sorry, mom," House said, embracing her briefly, "it's not fair to you, but we're not cut out to be parents. It would be even more unfair to the child."
His mother smiled sadly again. "I know, dear," she said. She glanced toward the den where Stacy and John were talking. "I suppose we had better join them," she said. "She must be the first girl you've brought home who isn't scared to death of your father."
"She's used to it," he said, "She deals with assholes on a regular—"
His mother thwacked him before he could finish. They left the kitchen smiling.