A/N: My apologies for not getting this out sooner. I've been super busy, and this chapter also went through a fair share of revisions... In other news, seeing Hugh and the Copper Bottom Band (again) in October was great!

I just want to thank all the writers out there who keep Huddy alive after all of these years, and thank everyone's continued comments and favorites to this story. I've had a blast writing this so far.

So, where were we: still in the middle of the trial, and this chapter marks Judge Fleming's final ruling...ENJOY!

Chapter 82:

Before he approached the table to resume his seat next to Cuddy, House pulled John Greene aside once the two men re-entered the courtroom.

"I have something to run by you when the judge decides the ruling," he whispered in a low voice in the lawyer's ear, and then proceeded to explain himself.

John listened intently to what House told him. After he was sure the other man was finished speaking, John glanced at him, warily. "Are you sure this is a good idea? And does Lisa know you want to go through with this?"

"I need him back on my team...and no, she has no idea."

John opened his mouth to speak but House interrupted him.

"Look," he began as he threw a momentarily glance in the direction of the front of the room where Cuddy had just sat down and had glanced back at the two of them, "You know he is getting more jail time...just try for this. Please."

"I'll see what I can do. It all depends on Fleming's ruling. But I will try." John clapped a hand on House's shoulder. "But for now, let's get back to this."

If she was mildly intrigued about the two mens' discussion moments ago, Cuddy did not show it. Once House had resumed his seat next to her, he turned to face her directly.

"How are you?" he asked quietly, looking into her eyes.

"Better," she whispered.

He reached out and covered her hand that was resting on the table with his own. "It's almost over."

She nodded silently, glancing down at his hand covering her own. "I'll be glad when it is."

A loud banging interrupted them. Judge Fleming had re-entered the courtroom from his chambers and sat down, banging his gavel to signify that court was back in session.

"Before I make a ruling -," he began, but before he could go any further, he was interrupted.

Immediately, John Greene stood. "Pardon the interruption, your Honor, but if it is possible, before you make a final ruling on this case, I'd like to introduce a final witness," the lawyer began quickly. "Doctor Joseph -"

"Isn't it a little late to be asking a doctor to testify?" Chase's lawyer interrupted, sneering at his opposing counsel.

John looked disgusted. "Just because you couldn't get any witness does not mean you -"

Judge Fleming cleared his throat, glaring at the pair of lawyers, disapprovingly but with a subtle hint of amusement. "I would have thought the two of you would have become more civilized towards each other during recess, but clearly I was mistaken."

"Unfortunately," he continued, now looking directly at John, "in answer to your request, Counselor, I will have to deny it. He is not on the witness list -"

"With all due respect your Honor, Joseph Parker is an expert witness whose testimony can prove my client's miscarriage was in fact due to -"

"Mr. Greene, while that may very well be true, I have already made my decision. So, once again, denied."

Trying his best to appear calm, John cleared his throat and sat down, while exchanging a concerned look with his client. 'If they lost...'

"Does the plaintiff's attorney wish to make a closing statement before hearing the ruling?"

"Yes," John replied coolly as he smoothed his tie with his hand and stood once again.

"Your Honor, based on all of the evidence you heard today from both myself and the defense, the answer should be undeniably apparent that because of Robert Chase's actions, my client has suffered enormously. Nothing will bring back the unwarranted loss she has had to endure. With a blood alcohol level of point thirteen last November, Robert Chase knowingly operated a motor vehicle after drinking heavily for several hours, becoming severely intoxicated, and thus, striking Lisa Cuddy's car, who had the right of way due to Doctor Chase being stopped at a red light. Within the next hour after my client had regained consciousness, she was then greeted with the devastating news that that she had miscarried one of her twin fetuses."

"Now," John continued, as the passion he had for this case rejuvenated him, "As to whether this miscarriage was in fact due to the impact of Doctor Chase's vehicle striking my client at the speed at which it did - and that both the physical impact and the velocity of the crash were enough to cause a first trimester pregnancy to be unwillingly terminated - is up to you to weigh and take into consideration. While Chase's actions may have been non-intentional, that still does not change what he did, nor does it make what he did any less of a crime. My client did not ask for this to happen to her. The defense is trying to tell you and the court that his client's 'alcohol impairment' due to this - this 'fragile emotional state' should be enough of an excuse and a reason not to take responsibility for what was done - a simple 'mistake' the defense called it. Mr. Savoy is therefore implying that the court give Doctor Chase a 'free pass' for what he has done. The defense is also trying to sway you with the fact that whether or not Chase was fully aware of his actions should not make him a criminal, and what Lisa Cuddy lost due to a direct result of his actions is in fact irrelevant."

The courtroom was silent, as everyone was hanging onto every word that the lawyer was saying.

"Well, I disagree," John continued harshly, glancing swiftly in the direction of the defense table before turning back to face the judge. "The American philanthropist and statesman Bernard Burach said 'Every man has a right to his opinion, but no man has a right to be wrong in his facts.' It is in my opinion that because of Robert Chase's actions, my client lost something no trial like this will ever bring back, and solely blaming this on impairment of judgment due to intoxication is a poor decision and more importantly, it is the wrong decision. Robert Chase has to take responsible for what he has done, for all of his poor decisions and actions that he has made in regards to the reason for this trial. His lawyer can blame it on recklessness and intoxication all he wants, but the simple fact is, your Honor, what Robert Chase did last year changed Lisa Cuddy's life, and this trial today is only the beginning of her journey to heal completely. Chase should be held accountable for his actions, for the life he ended - and for being the reason for the substantial emotional distress he has made my client endure over the past three months, - whether he meant to or not."

After John had finished and sat down, Savoy was given a chance to address a closing argument as well. When the defense lawyer was finished, John did not offer a rebuttal. He knew the judge had been ready to make a final ruling.

John caught House's eye, to which House nodded. After the judge invited all parties to rise, he began.

"Robert Chase, in hearing all of the evidence and statements against you today, I find you guilty of a DWI, and charges of gross negligence and reckless driving. Furthermore, only thirty eight states have Fetal Homicide Laws in place and thus, since New Jersey does not have such a law, I charge you with involuntary manslaughter..."

As she listened to the ruling, Cuddy could not believe what she was actually hearing. She let out the slow breath she was holding and closed her eyes as she felt herself finally let go of the tension buildup in her body that had been present since the trial had begun.

She felt House's hand grab onto hers and her eyes fluttered open to look at him.

"You okay?"

She nodded.

House leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead, not caring if anyone saw. "We did it," he whispered in her ear.

When he pulled back, the judge was still speaking. "...$2000 for the DWI charge and gross negligence -"

"Wait, hang on," Savoy exclaimed, only beginning to find his voice since hearing the final ruling. "Your Honor, involuntary manslaughter?! With all due respect, I would hardly call a 12 week old fetus viable -"

"And that is not your decision to make, Counselor," Judge Fleming interrupted, harshly, as he surveyed the defense lawyer with a certain twinkle in his eye.

"While I'll admit this is a rather blurred line of decision making that I find myself faced with, your persistence for me not to take into account the miscarriage of a twelve-week old fetus in this charge will not change my ruling.

"And as I recall from my sources, " he continued, "during the pre trial, you brought this issue up as well, but failed to build upon it, Counselor, so we can debate this all you want, but rest assured, it will not change my ruling."

Disgruntled, Savoy kicked the side of the table with his foot, but said nothing.

"Now, as I was saying," Judge Fleming continued, ignoring Savoy's action of frustration, "$2,000 plus coverage of Lisa Cuddy's medical expenses and yes, I do realize that does not by any means at all give justice to the emotional distress and suffering she had to endure. My sincere apologies.., and I also find myself giving Robert Chase a reduced sentence of fourteen months of jail time to the manslaughter charge."

He paused and looked sharply at the defense. "And you should be thanking me for that reduced sentence. It could have been a lot worse."

Savoy said nothing, but continued to sulk silently beside his client, who remained still.

John Greene, meanwhile, cleared his throat. "Your Honor, I'd like to offer an alternative if I may to the, ah, jail time..."

The judge shot him a quizzical look, intrigued. Even Chase stared at John, wondering what the lawyer was about to do. However, Fleming waved his hand to let the lawyer continue.

"Doctor House would like to ask that instead of serving the conventional jail time," John began, "that Doctor Chase, his employee, serve a modified work release, under Doctor House's terms to assist him and his team with their weekly cases due to Doctor House's ah, declining number of cases not solved since Doctor Chase's absence."

Before the judge or the defense could have a reaction, Cuddy had one instead.

"WHAT?!" she exclaimed loudly, turning to stare at House, her eyes darting between him and John as she listened to what was just proposed.

Surprised at her reaction, the judge glanced at her. "You didn't know Doctor House wanted to do this?"

"No, I didn't," Cuddy exclaimed, angrily.

"Well, Doctor Cuddy, you need to sign off on this, given your position of Dean of Medicine at Princeton Plainsboro."

"Yeah, well before I sign off on anything, I need to have a conversation with my department head," Cuddy spat out, while shooting an annoyed glance at House.

"I have no objection to that, Doctor Cuddy," the judge told her. "By all means, please do. I'll give you five minutes."

Cuddy stood up. "You, outside now," she told House, before walking through the gallery aisle of the courtroom. Before she reached the exit, she caught Stacy Warner's eye and rolled her eyes, to which the other woman grinned.

Once she heard the courtroom door shut after going out into the corridor, Cuddy spun around to face House, her hands on her hips.

"You want to tell me what this is about?"

"You know that I haven't been solving cases," House told her, as he leaned heavily on his cane.

"And I've been telling you to hire a replacement," Cuddy shot back at him.

"Yeah, someone who doesn't have the same rapport with me and the rest of my team...that'll go over so well," House mocked.

His expression softening, he limped closer to her. "Look," he began quietly, "I understand your hesitation about this, but I will make sure he doesn't go anywhere near you, I promise. It's just...I need him back on my team. I could give two shits about him as a person, but as a doctor, there is still some respect left. He may be an asshole who changed both of our lives, but he will help my team get back to solving cases."

He watched as Cuddy chewed her bottom lip, the way she always did when she was in deep thought or pondering a huge decision. He waited patiently.

Suddenly, Cuddy marched over to the door where she and House had just come from and wrenched it open. House could not hear what she was saying but a few moments later, Foreman and Cameron appeared, and Cuddy let the door shut.

"What do you two think about this?" she asked the two members of House's team.

Foreman spoke first. "... I think that House is right. We've been lacking in solved cases, and the cases we do solve, we do at the very last minute, almost by pure luck," he told the Dean of Medicine truthfully. "Having Chase back will give us the edge we had before." He paused for a second.

"But, like the judge said, this is your decision. I understand and respect your reasoning not to let this happen," he added.

Cuddy nodded. "Thank you." She then turned to Cameron. "And you?"

The younger female doctor hesitated. "I don't have a problem with it. I'll be able to work with him." She then turned toward her boss. "Just as long as you don't make his life absolutely miserable," she added.

"Don't count on that," House replied coldly.

"If you do, I'll hear about and there will be consequences," Cuddy told him sharply. "I'm trusting you with this. Do not make his life a living hell just to get back at him," she scolded.

Her voice softened. "Look, this is going to be difficult for all of us to adjust to, but if all of you are telling me the truth about needing him back on the team, then I trust your decision."

Inside the courtroom, while waiting for his client to return, John Greene leaned across the aisle towards the defense.

"For the record, I would advise your client to take this deal."

Savoy ignored him, but John could have sworn he saw Chase glance at him and nod.

Not even a minute later, Cuddy and House had walked back into the courtroom with Cameron and Foreman. Resuming her seat, Cuddy leaned over and whispered in John's ear.

"Are you sure about this?" John asked in a low voice, upon hearing what his client had decided.

She nodded. "I am."

Glancing up at the judge, John stood. "Your Honor, we are ready to proceed."

"Well, Mr. Greene, what did your client decide?"

"Dr. Cuddy gives permission for Dr. Chase to serve the modified work release under Dr. House's terms," John replied.

"Very well."

Judge Fleming then addressed Cuddy. "I am giving you full control of this as Dean of Medicine, meaning if at any time you wish to revoke these privileges of Doctor Chase over the next fourteen months, you may do so, no questions asked. Is that understood?"

"Yes," Cuddy replied confidently, but both House and John could hear the slight tremble in her voice.

Satisfied, Fleming turned to face the defense table, where Chase had just whispered something in Savoy's ear, to which the lawyer had looked disapproving of.

"Mr. Savoy, does your client agree to these terms?"

"He does, your Honor."

Judge Fleming nodded, banging his gavel. "I now amend Robert Chase's earlier ruling and sentencing with the manslaughter charge," he began. "Upon deciding a revision, Doctor Chase will serve a modified work release for a period of fourteen months, spending Monday through Friday, or as to be determined by his boss, Dr. Gregory House, at Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, tracked by electronic ankle monitoring. All other times he is not on the hospital premises, Dr. Chase will spend at New Jersey State Prison, where he currently resides. He is still responsible for all of the earlier charges listed, and this will go on his permanent record. If there are no further comments or questions, this is my final ruling."

Pausing, he was greeted with silence. John was sure his opposing counsel was going to comment, and was surprised when Savoy refrained.

"Very well," Fleming continued. "Doctor Chase is to report tomorrow morning to Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. Transportation will be provided."

Now speaking directly to John, the judge added, "Counselor, I now ask that you connect with the Prison Director this afternoon to discuss specific items and to flush everything out regarding Dr. Chase's admission back into the hospital. You will get all the information needed when we are finished here. Is tomorrow morning too early for Doctor Chase to be reinstated?"

After glancing at House to get confirmation, John replied, "It is not, your Honor. Although, if it is indeed found that tomorrow cannot happen, permission for Dr. Chase to begin Monday?"

"Granted."

"Thank you, your Honor."

Judge Fleming glanced at both parties. "If there is nothing further, case closed," he finished, banging his gavel and standing up. "Mr. Savoy, if I could see you in chambers before your client leaves."

It was over.

Those three words echoed through Cuddy's head, as she stood still, having heard the final words of the judge. Around her, the courtroom bustled in full swing with people in the gallery exiting in conversation, but she was not aware. Finally taking a breath and exhaling slowly as she brought herself back to the present, she turned to her left, where House was silently watching her.

"It's over," she whispered, grabbing onto his hand tightly. As she said the words aloud, she could feel her body relax, could feel her muscles unclench from the stress that had plagued her body and mind for the past few months.

"It's over," he confirmed, his voice soft as he squeezed her hand back reassuringly. Lowering his head, he captured her lips in a gentle kiss. Breaking apart, he rested his forehead against hers.

"You did well," he whispered after a few seconds, as he brought his hand to rest on her stomach, feeling their son shift in his mother's womb.

They were jolted from the personal moment they were quietly sharing as Cuddy heard the snapping of John's briefcase. She looked around at her lawyer, who was gathering his things.

"John, thank you," she told him sincerely.

John clapped a hand on his client's shoulder. "No, thank you, Lisa. You did well. This case would never have gone the way it did had it not been for your outstanding courage and strength to get through this."

As the three of them began to exit the courtroom moments later, House suddenly doubled back toward the front and limped over to where the defendant was sitting patiently, his gaze cast downward as he waited for his lawyer to return,

Lifting his gaze, Chase swallowed hard as he found himself face to face with his boss, and was determined not to break eye contact.

Stepping in front of his employee, House narrowed his eyes and stared into the face of the man who he had unmitigated revulsion toward. Chase was silent, not wanting to be the one to speak first. After what seemed like ages, but in fact only a few seconds, House spoke after giving Chase a lingering once-over, his voice exceedingly bitter.

"That may be a haircut by your standards, but not to me. Even though you don't belong, look like a fucking doctor tomorrow, and don't be late."

And without another word to his employee, House turned and limped slowly up the aisle toward the double doors. Chase stared after him, all the while wondering if he had made the wrong choice.

My intention is for the next chapter to start where this one left off.