Disclaimer: Is it really even necessary that I do this? I think we all know I don't own House. Cause if I did I think I would be busy pursuing other courses of action than writing about him :wicked grin:

A/N Ok what do I have to do to get reviews? Promise free t-shirts? I know you're reading I can see the hits! Please, review, cause it make me happy. To those of you wonderful, lovely people who continue to review – Luv you guys! I couldn't really decide on a name for this chapter so I just kind of gave it one, not sure it fits, but anyhoo- on with the show!

CHAPTER 5 – Confessions

Cuddy tossed her purse onto the table en-route to the kitchen. She flipped lights on throughout the well manicured home as she went. She could hear house shut the door behind them. He'd been in her house before, just never under welcomed circumstances. He took a moment as he rid himself of his jacket to process his surroundings. Mostly it was exactly as he remembered. It was spotless, seemingly more so than the last time he'd been there, if that was at all possible. He had the sudden urge to muss the couch cushions. The faces she would make alone would be worth the effort. He knew she was a perfectionist and the tiniest doily out of place would send her into a panicked frenzy. Somehow he found this endearing. He walked to the table that sat closest to the entrance they'd come in from and couldn't help but notice her purse had tipped over, its contents now spilt out. He allowed himself a brief scan of the revealed items as he heard the clinking of glasses from the kitchen.

"You want a glass of wine, or the hard stuff." Cuddy's raised voice carried through the house. " Never mind, stupid question. I'll just bring the bottle." She answered her own inquiry.

House's thoughts turned to pursuing other more interesting areas of the house than some spare change and tube of lipstick that peeked out her purse, until he saw something that changed his mind. A familiar red and black bag was concealed in the clutter of the spillage. Had she really kept it? This was too good to let go. He could hear her leaving the kitchen, as the light that shone from that direction diminished. House made his way into the living room and deposited himself onto the large overstuffed couch moments before Cuddy entered and offered him a glass.

She sat herself next to him tucking one leg beneath her and filled the glasses setting the bottle back to the table with a sigh. House noted she was barefoot and must have discarded her shoes somewhere along the way. He imagined they were placed neatly side by side amongst a pile of other immaculately arranged shoes. It would be unlike her to leave them scattered across the house, as his so often were. For some odd reason he couldn't quite place- the thought brought a smile to his face, albeit hidden as his lips met the glass; tossing the drink back in one easy swallow.

When he sat the glass back on the table he was met with Cuddy's stare. One eyebrow raised in amusement of his display. She still held her full drink yet to even be sipped from.

"You gonna participate, or do you just like to watch?" House questioned her with a tone that set her on edge at his implications of "watching". So much for keeping his mouth shut.

"Do you mind if I actually prefer to taste my drink, as opposed to macho displays of gluttony." She took a small sip to demonstrate her point. She was exercising restraint, not really because of her earlier statement, but because truthfully she didn't trust herself around him drunk. She needed her wits about her tonight.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I just heard you tell me you can't handle your liquor."

"That was not at all what I said, obviously you weren't listening, big shock."

"So what are your intentions towards me Dr. Cuddy, are you attempting to get me drunk and have your way with me?"

"No." She retorted with faux disgust.

" You say no, but that low cut shirt say's yes!" His gaze dipped to the v of her blouse before he met her eyes again. "It's a shame. The night had so much potential" House shook his head in disappointment; his lips fused together in a frown.

"Yes, you caught me I'm going to wait until you step away from your drink and slip you a roofie. Don't be surprised if you wake up tomorrow with your close on inside out and backwards. You happy now?"

"No " he stated flatly. " You have not told me what I want to know, which I'm sure will be quite easier for both of us if you start drinking." He offered his raised glass in the air waiting for her to join him. A silent challenge declared.

Cuddy clinked her glass against his and tipped it back. The liquid left a pleasant burn as it slid down her throat. She considered him again with a triumphant air. She knew what he was referring to, no way in hell she was going to admit to him she'd dreamed about getting it on with him. He was insufferable enough as it was. The knowledge that she had wanted him like she had never wanted anything in her life, would be the end of containing his arrogance. Her mind recalled the dream, vividly, and she poured herself another drink and shot it without hesitation. She was hoping to pass the color brought to her cheeks as being from the alcohol.

" So nice of you to join us macho gluttons." House offered her a warm smile that she actually returned in kind and he felt a near confidence settle over him.

Cuddy grabbed for the bottle once more. She would not let him get the best of her.

The mental recollection of his lips on her neck brought an unwanted response that left her body singing with sensation. She could feel warmth spread through her and she dismissed it as the beginning of a pleasant buzz. A bold faced lie she'd even call herself on. Was it getting warm in here?

House wondered how to get her talking. She appeared to be feeling the effects of the alcohol. It brought a soft blush to her cheeks that complimented her features. She possessed a striking beauty that was not lost on him-just avoided. That avoidance was getting harder to manage as he watched her lick droplets of the amber liquor that had splashed onto her fingers.

House cleared his throat to get her attention and perhaps to take his away from the path it was so quickly heading down. Cuddy held the bottle out to him to refill his own glass, yet again.

" What happened in your office today?" Blunt, direct, and to the point. House awaited her answer.

"Lets see," she tilted her head to the side in deliberation and brought a finger to her lips.

" Paperwork, patient complaints-mostly about you," she pointed at him before returning the finger to her lips, "couple of meetings with donors…" she let her voice trail off.

" Skirting the issue, so clever. I see, you pretend you don't know and I am forced to ask a more specific question. You tricky little devil." House wagged a scolding finger at her.

" House I told you we were through with this conversation." Cuddy sat her glass down on the table with a loud clack. She was drawing a line in the sand so to speak. Just let him dare to cross it.

"And I told you we weren't. Seems to be some conflicting issues here." House sat hunched over, elbows resting on his knees, holding his drink with both hands. He let his eyes drift to the floor before squinting up at her.

"I don't remember what I said or why I said it, I was unconscious." Standing now glaring down at him she crossed her arms over her chest. " Can we please drop it."

"Maybe you just need some help remembering" House rose grabbing his cane that was leaned against the couch and hobbled as fast as a man with a cane could out of the living room. Cuddy stood confused wondering what he was up to.

"House what the hell are you…." She was interrupted by a familiar piece of lingerieflung in her direction. She caught it mid air before it collided with her.

"Maybe that will refresh your memory." He made his way to the couch again but remained standing.

"Damn-it house I can't believe you. You're a trying bastard you know that. Where do you get off being such a pain in my ass."

"It's a dirty job but someone's got to do it." He took a step towards her and she instinctively stepped back. "Do you want to hear what I think" It was a statement more than a question. Regardless of the answer he was going to tell her anyway.

His tall frame now nearly towering over hers she fought a delicate balance of anger and arousal. He was staring her right in the eyes and she forced herself not to look away.

"Would it make a difference if I said no?" She spat. Every bit of whatever had taken over her common sense was countered with the anger that she hoped would hide her true emotions.

"I think you were dreaming about us." House took another step closer backing her towards the wall. "Together." Another step. " I think you have something to tell me."

Cuddy's back hit the wall. Dead end, trapped, no where to hide now. House's face was inches from hers as he waited for her confession. She could smell the bittersweet scent of the alcohol on his breath and she repressed the urge to taste it from his lips. With one arm on the wall pinning her there he leaned in even closer; his lips brushing her cheek as he whispered in her ear "Do tell."

A/N – I know you guys have been promised the smutty goodness and I shall reward you soon! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. Hope you enjoyed. I think I may have 2 more chapters then we'll be wrapping this bad boy up. Wait, don't go …you there! Yes you – Review please!