Chapter 2 Clinic—Fifteen minutes later

With the most important thing on his mind unfolding right before his eyes, House had sought refuge in a place where nobody would look for him: Clinic Room 6. He had discovered a back way into the clinic area several weeks before through the janitor's closet. Now he could deal with that situation without being disturbed…..

He winced while watching his mini-TV. "Oh come on! They did that last week!" As the credits rolled across the tiny screen, he frowned. "Nobody has any creativity anymore! Crappy networks can't write worth a damn." He turned off and stashed his illegal equipment under the exam table. Then he labored toward his passage back to insanity.

Despite his careful maneuvering, Cuddy knew exactly where he was. She also knew where the "secret entrance" was. As such, she waited right by the door for him to come out. Any minute now.

He opened the door slowly and looked around. Thinking the coast was clear, he started into the hall.

"Nice trick, House," Cuddy complimented with a bit of glee in her voice.

He stiffened for a second at having been caught red handed. But only for a second. He wheeled around and considered her for a minute. "Slumming, Cuddy? I'd thought you'd be crunching those numbers like crazy. What with the budget deadline being only a day or so away."

She shrugged. "I'll deal with it. Meantime, we need to talk in my office." She led him to the elevator. After the doors closed, she continued, "Did you really think I didn't know about that side entrance?"

He gave her the 'duh' look. "You didn't! Big Sister bugged the cotton swabs!"

She rolled her eyes. "Actually it was the TV itself. We found that two days ago. Wish you'd show that kind of ingenuity for the Nicholls patient."

They got off of the elevator and headed for her office.

"I'm brainstorming," he replied.

"More like brain farting on company time." She closed the door and pointed to the chair.

"Ooh…you must be pissed. Where's the whip?" he cracked.

"No whip—that would be seen as abuse. Besides I don't want you resentful on our next date, do I?" she supposed. As with Cameron and Chase, she and House had shared a few secret romantic dinners in Philadelphia and Baltimore so as to remain under the radar. "And I could take your TV away for a whole month if I wanted to."

"Nuts. I knew I should have bought that DVR," he retorted.

She let her eyes sparkle at him. "But do two things for me and I'll overlook this morning."

He stared incredulously at her.

"Is there a problem?"

He tossed the blank look at her. "Same hair, same low neckline, same cleavage. You're Cuddy but this is weird."

"What's so weird about me asking you for things? I was still your boss last time I checked."

He sighed overdramatically. "Sure. Bring that into it."

"Okay. First, please stop sabotaging Wilson's alarm clock. I've managed to keep him from a write up so far for being late but I can't keep giving him breaks. You know, he's working extra clinic hours because of you?" she directed.

"Like I'm supposed to care? I'm trying to make a man out of that boy," he indicated.

"And I could make a man out of you by making you clean out bedpans while he's doing it. Not so much fun now, is it?" she pointed out, making sure he got the point. "Don't make me bitchy, House. I'm really don't want to go there."

He rolled his eyes, recognizing the obvious blackmail ploy. "Oh all right! I'll lay off. Last thing I want is another cane sawed in half."

She stifled a laugh, recalling how he had fallen in the hallway the night before. "You know what they say. Payback's hell." She opened her desk drawer and produced an envelope.

"Oh what's that?" he asked with mock-anticipation. "Your payback?"

She arched her eyebrow purposefully. "It's actually a treat for you, House. Remember that "Innovations in Diagnostics" conference you asked me about last month? You're going." She handed him the envelope.

He opened it and fished around. Sure enough, the program, an e-ticket itinerary and hotel reservation number were in there. There was also a small envelope in there too. "Now what?" He took out the envelope. "Need I ask?"

She shrugged. "Open it and find out."

He did so to find a concert ticket for the Smashers inside. "How did you…?"

"I know some people and made some calls," she replied. "I want you to have a productive weekend."

"Are you saying that as my boss?" he supposed.

"Boss and girlfriend," she noted. "Just promise you'll lay off of Wilson, okay? Now go deal with Mr. Nicholls." She kissed him. "Okay?"

"Yeah sure," he conceded, limping with the envelope in tow.

She smiled. At least I'm making sure he'll have fun. I can't wait for the weekend!