Chapter 7

That night, Nicky felt more in control of her emotions. Wilson had said that the cancer had been caught early and he was pulling out all the stops to get rid of it. The last time, the doctors seemed to take over and she felt like a piece of meat, she was sure that was a contributory factor to the resentment and bleakness she had felt for a long time afterwards.

She remembered the trick of wrapping cling film around her body several times, so that her stitches and dressing would stay dry whilst she took a shower. As the water ran over her body, she reflected on House's total change of attitude towards her. She wondered if it was because of the cancer but then remembered that he'd wanted to have dinner with her to apologise for his behaviour. She had to admit that he was a little nicer to her after their dance the other night. She was smart enough to realise too that she needed as many friends around her for support right now and if House wanted to help her, then she'd gladly accept his offer. But what if he wanted more than that? No, he couldn't, could he?

She stepped out of the shower afraid to stay in there too long in case the water penetrated the plastic, then used a blade to cleanly cut the wrap off. She pulled her robe on and heard the doorbell. She was torn between getting dressed or just taking a chance that it was someone ringing the wrong one. She certainly wasn't expecting anyone, so she took the chance.

Seeing House standing there completely threw her into a panic. She pulled the robe tighter, her hand clutching the robe to her chest as she let him in.

"I wanted to make sure you were alright," House said, closing the door behind him. "Have I called at a bad time?" He looked her up and down, obviously realising that he had.

"No, no, it's okay," Nicky replied, her eyes darting around the apartment. "I'll just, um, get dressed." She backed out of the living room and hurried to the bedroom, "I'll be back in a minute," she added.

House watched for a moment, then unhurriedly followed her into the bedroom. She had lit candles all around the room, which had created a lovely, relaxing atmosphere. She was obviously going to unwind tonight and he liked the way she was thinking.

Nicky was standing in front of the full-length mirror and he read the panic in her eyes when she saw his reflection in the doorway. He walked slowly over, then stood behind her as he placed his hands on her shoulders. They both looked at their reflection for a moment, the candlelight creating a soft glow on their faces, although despair was written all over hers.

He slowly slid his hands down her arms and reached her hands, which were holding tightly onto the knot around her waist. He pulled her gently into him and she responded putting her head against his chest, she closed her eyes and let him slowly undo the ties. She opened them as his hands slid to her shoulders once more and gently pulled her robe away, exposing her body. House felt her take a deep breath, her eyes falling to the scar where her left breast had been, then flick up to his eyes, she was looking to read the disgust in them, but found nothing. She watched him as his fingertips lightly skimmed her décolleté, his arms crossing over as he cupped her right breast in his left hand, his right hand gently stroking her scar.

"You're beautiful," he whispered huskily. He turned his head slightly and kissed her neck, his stubble scratching it as he worked his magic on her. His touch was gentle and he felt her loosen up as she gave in, her fingers reaching up to his neck.

She turned and wrapped her arms around him, looking deep into his eyes. He could read her unasked question and said, "You really are," he whispered, "you have a beautiful body. I'm a lucky man."

"What do you mean?" Nicky asked quietly.

"Since we kissed that night in my apartment, I haven't been able to get you out of my head," House said, "I want you."

"Oh that," Nicky said, breaking away from him, breaking the spell as she walked over to sit on the bed, pulling her robe around her once more. "Well that wasn't really what you thought it was."

House looked confused and followed her over, sitting down next to her.

"I needed to feel like a woman," Nicky explained. "I knew that you didn't like me, hated me even." She watched House cringe a little, then went on, "So I figured that I was safe with you. You'd either totally reject me or just kiss me to get it over with, you didn't know anything about me or my health, you'd see me for who I was. When we kissed, for the first time in years, I felt like a normal woman. You can't imagine how good you made me feel."

"So that's why you thanked me," House said, getting it.

Nicky nodded and looked down at her hands. "You kissed me and moved on, or so I thought. I'm sorry, I used you," she said quietly.

"Well, I think you'd better make it up to me," House smiled, tilting her chin so that she could see the playfulness in his eyes.

She shook her head, a smile playing on her lips, not getting it.

"Kiss me so I know how good you can make me feel this time," House said quietly.

Obliging, she leaned in to him and brushed her lips against his, her fingers running softly through his hair. He pulled her lightly down onto the bed and shifted his position so that his leg was comfortable, all the while kissing her. Once she was lying flat, he opened up her robe once more, and carefully traced his fingertips over her body, warily avoiding the dressing, he didn't want to spoil the moment by having her scream out in pain.

Their kisses got more passionate but he realised that he was rushing and pulled back.

"What's the matter?" Nicky asked. She looked as though she'd just been rejected and his heart went out to her.

"You've just had surgery and I'm afraid I'll hurt you," he said quietly.

"Is that really the truth?" Nicky asked as she pulled her robe back over her body.

"Yes," House replied sincerely, "I'm not rejecting you, I really am terrified of hurting you."

She smiled and he could see that he'd reassured her. He felt her relax and he pulled her into his arms, rubbing her back absently as he kissed the top of her head. He stayed with her until she fell asleep, then left her to get some proper rest, he figured she hadn't slept properly in days.