"Yeah we're careful and we're cunning but we're easily bruised"

A "House" Ficlet – for Janetmaca

Disclaimer: Not mine

Info: PG, House/Cuddy.

By Moonie

"Tell me!" Dr House's voice could be heard from outside Cuddy's office.

"Oh, grow up House!" her voice could also be heard.

"Did I miss the memo on the aging process? I don't control that… yet."

"And there you go again!"

"The kid needs this treatment or he'll die. Do you really want that on your conscience?"

"There are other options! You can't put him through all these treatments, his body can't take it!" They paused at the sound of someone clearing their throat. Turning to look, they found a nurse at the door, as well as others looking in from various nearby areas.

"I'm sorry, Dr Cuddy… People are starting to complain…" the nurse explained. Cuddy sighed.

"Find another way, House. I can't approve your present plan of action." After a moment, House swiveled about and started out of Cuddy's office with thumping sounds from his feet and cane. Cuddy sat back in her chair with a groan, rubbing at her forehead.

She hadn't often gotten down to joining in on House's screaming matches, but lately she seemed to fall prey to it more and more. As time went by, her ability to bypass his attempts to rattle her was growing weaker. She didn't know what to make of it, whether she'd had too much of it… not enough?

She knew that with House there was always a needed level of tolerance that rivaled the most tense of situations. Up until now, she'd been good to hold her own with him. The change came so subtly she hadn't noticed it. She imagined it might have been part of the reason.

She knew he was getting to her, and she didn't know how else to protect herself than to match his rantings. For all the knowledge she had, this was one thing she couldn't find a 'treatment' for.

Throughout the day, she pushed her worries to the side, focused on her work. She'd made it through the day. When she stepped out of her office, House was sitting and waiting. She sighed, approached.

"What now?" He indicated the seat next to him. After a moment, she did so.

"I'm getting this feeling like something's bothering you."

"Gee, I wonder why," she feigned puzzlement.

"Don't get me wrong, I like our arguments. It keeps me on my toes." She rolled her eyes a bit at this, but remained quiet. "Lately though, I've noticed they've been… well, different."

"Different how?" she asked, curious to hear his take on it.

"Well, I'm concerned. These volleys used to be harmless. If we keep at it, people will get hurt and I'm not talking about either of us. There has to be some way to resolve this that doesn't involve us losing our jobs, our licenses…"

"What about the Clinic?"

"It has its moments…" She smiled briefly to herself.

"I see your point," she admitted. "So what to do…" They were silent for a moment. Eventually, Cuddy stood.

"Where are you going?" House asked.

"I am going to get a drink. Want to come? We can map out some kind of peace treaty."

"Are you trying to get me drunk?"

"House…"

"Going to have your way with me?"

"Please."

"I smell a lawsuit…"

"Last chance expires in five, four, three…"

"Alright, alright," he stood. "You're so pushy when you think."

"I'm buying."

"I'm shutting up."

Soon after, they sat side by side at a bar, with a glass each. "So… we need a solution. See, this is the part where we go for differential diagnosis. I don't have a…" he looked around. "Barkeep," he called, to Cuddy's dismay. "Mind if I borrow your chalk board there? It's for medical purposes." A short moment of arguing later, the board and a few chalk sticks were between them flat on the bar. "Let's hear some symptoms."

"Jerk?" she guessed.

"Ah," he tilted his head, writing down the word. "This will go well, I see it already."

For some time, they filled out the board with issues and thoughts. When they stopped, they took a moment to read back. It was a little more fun than it should have been, for sure.

"Wow…" House spoke first.

"It's a miracle we co-exist at all," Cuddy commented.

"I would perhaps suggest we try for… a clean slate?" Cuddy looked to him.

"I think it might be worth a shot."

"Hey, we're agreeing already!"

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