A/N: The last chapter -sob- Hopefully it won't disappoint. Thanks again everyone!

Darkness had its hold on the bedroom. All he could see was a vague silhouette of her even though she was sleeping with her head on his chest. He listened to her breathing and lightly twirled her hair around his fingers over and over again. It was 4am.

For a while House sifted and sorted through the events of the past week or so, starting with the four day binge he could barely remember and ending with being curled up in his bed with Lisa Cuddy. Briefly he paused to kick off another Stacy box.

A whole new chapter, a whole new beginning. Finally able to let go of the Stacy memories that had been a stone around his neck for far too long. He looked forward to the day when he could kick off the last box and say goodbye forever.

Bye-bye Stacy. It was nice knowing you.

A tiny smile tugged at the corners as he closed his eyes and fell back asleep.

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"Where are you going?" he muttered, still groggy from sleep as he watched Cuddy pull on her jeans.

"Home to change," she answered. "I can hardly go in wearing these clothes."

"You look fine."

"Maybe to you, but I'm sure my bosses might have something to say about it."

"What can they say, Lisa? You're dressed, aren't you?"

"Greg, I can't wear this shirt..."

"Can't you stay for breakfast?" he pleaded.

"I can't, Greg," she sighed, tying her shoes. "I'm going to be late as it is."

"Not even for waffles?"

She turned a suspicious eye in his direction. "Do you have any waffles?"

"No," he snickered.

He was on his side, hugging a pillow and still half-buried under the covers. To Cuddy he looked a kid waiting until the last possible second to get up for school.

"I have to go, Greg."

"'Kay," he said in a way that told her he knew she had to go but that didn't mean he had to like it.

She smiled. "See you tonight."

"'Kay," House said again with a much more satisfied tone as Cuddy disappeared out the bedroom door.

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"You should have seen him. He was out the door in record time."

House told all about the phone call from Julie while sprawled across Cuddy's couch. The smell of spaghetti sauce and garlic bread wafted in during the story, making his stomach growl.

"I hope they can work their problems out." The lady doctor poured herself another glass of red wine.

"Maybe they can," House added. "I shouldn't say anymore. I'll have to get all realistic again and I don't wanna jinx their effort before they even get started."

"No, we don't want that," Cuddy remarked. Then after a brief pause she said, "Can I ask you something, Greg?"

"Sure," he answered, honestly curious about what she wanted.

"How's the separation with Stacy going?"

He laughed, unable to stop himself. "Oh Lisa, you do understand that this isn't a trial separation" Cuddy nodded. "And you do understand that I have a mountain of memories and baggage from Stacy to deal with." Another nod. "Good. These things take time. I'm slowly but surely getting there. Thankfully memories can't hire counselors and lawyers to try and change my mind, talk me out of something I have every intention of seeing through to the very end. Does that answer your question?"

"Absolutely." She was grinning from ear to ear.

"I told you what you wanted to hear."

"Yes."

"Good," he said, then changed the subject. "Is that damn spaghetti almost ready?"

"I need to boil the noodles," Cuddy answered, getting up. "About ten more minutes."

"I'm starving over here."

"What's the hurry?" She eyed her guest. "You got a hot date or something?"

"No." House relaxed into the couch. "I'm not going anywhere."

–The End