Title:
Author: Kara B aricadavidson or karamuse
Rating: PG
Pairing/Character: Lisa Cuddy
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: These characters are not mine.
Theme: Loss philosophy20
Summary: Sequel to "When it Mattered"
She wanted children.
She'd always known it and it was never more painfully obvious than when she was in the maternity ward. That part of the hospital, she tried to avoid; often couldn't, but if she had her business face on she was fine. She'd have happily adopted one long ago but Social Services was loathe to place a child in a home with only one parent, especially one whose schedule was as demanding as hers.
And ever since the 'incident' several months back, she didn't have the nerve to try dating anyone again. A knock on her door echoed through the room, interrupting her thoughts and she composed herself quickly, before calling "Come in."
Greg House stepped inside a moment later, slouching into one of the chairs across from her desk and using the desk as a foot rest. He still hadn't mentioned that night… even months later. As far as she could tell, he hadn't said a word to anyone at all. He'd even toned down his insanity for her at first. "I want to go to the diagnostics conference next week. I thought an appearance to discuss negotiations was in order." He started spinning the cane around, ignoring her mood completely.
That was one thing she appreciated about what he'd done. He didn't make her feel less for what happened, he'd done everything he could to preserve her dignity, at least in that area. All bets were off on everything else but he'd done that much for her. "I'm sorry Dr. House, I can't make any promises on that. One of your staff will already be gone to give a presentation."
"You spend too much time here," he commented absently.
"Of course I do. We all do. It's called being a doctor."
"But most of us don't live here. You haven't stayed at your house since… well… for months."
"Oh, so now you're spying on me?"
"No, I just happen to know a couple of janitors." A long pause followed. "You never went to the police."
She remained silent. So much for him leaving well enough alone. "So is this an 'I told you so'?"
"No."
"Then what the hell is it House?" she snapped at him. "Or are you just trying to torment me for the hell of it?"
"What do you need?"
"Less harassment," she retorted.
"Look, you want a gun, I can get you one. I know a guy."
"And that's illegal. No!"
"So you're just going to let some sorry S.O.B. run you out of your house and home."
"It's not like I had much of a life before."
"Tell you what, why don't you have dinner with me tonight? I know a good place. You'll get out and relax and I can hit anyone who wants to harass you with my cane." She hesitated. "Come on, it's my treat. We'll go somewhere nice."
"Fine," she replied. "But if I show up and it's a McDonald's…"
"Good. Now, you'll need to wear something a little more… less…" House grinned and waggled his eyebrows. "This place is nice I'm telling you."
"It's not like it's a date."
"True, but it really is a nice place and work clothes won't do. I'll pick you up at your house around 6:30. So you'd better get on out of here."
"Your attempts to try and make me go home won't work."
"I could go with you," he offered slyly. "I could even help you with your outfit."
"I said I'd go and I'll be ready at 6:30 but you're picking me up here," she insisted.
"Oh fine," he replied in a mock huffy tone. "You just have to ruin my fun don't you."
"Always." That said, h e stood and made an exit.
