Living Proof
Hi,
This story has a very special place in my heart and I hope you'll find it as beautiful as I think it is. I'll never have enough of such Howse. Mine.
It's actually pretty long. And my favourite.
I wrote the entire story, listening to "The Breaking Of The Fellowship" and "May it Be", two absolute masterpieces from "The Lord Of The Ring".
Thank you.
Ju
Living Proof
9.
Cuddy came out from their bedroom, inhaling the peaceful atmosphere of her home. She joined House in the living room, frowning when she saw he was rubbing his thigh, absently fixing a point in front of him. Sat on a chair, he noticed her presence when she put some covers on the table and turned to him, letting her fingers massaging his neck and the short hair on his nape. You're okay ? she wondered. I'm fine. Just ... memories. She felt helpless in front of his blue eyes but managed to smile, still stroking his nape. Do you wanna talk about it ? He shook his head. Cuddy stepped back as he stood up. Wake up our little astronaut, he just said. Her heart danced in her chest as he pronounced those words, but she kept looking at him. A few months ago, out of the blue, he told her he wanted to know her better. First, she's been surprised and amused because most of the time, he understood her better than she understood herself. Since then, though, mostly after having slowly made love, they would start talking about things they've never really shared with anyone else before. It was a time where they were both physically and metaphorically naked. We don't have to do that if you ... House lay a finger on her lips. Cuddy, it's alright. Leaving a quick kiss on her forehead, House took the covers. She realized he had left his cane behind.
Pillow beneath their head, they lay under the covers, Rachel between them. They were surrounded by a stunning silence. Sometimes, they would hear the red oak leaves dancing and rustling under the calm assault of the august wind, but that was all. Above them, the sky was an endless and cloudless starry vault. Are they very very far away ? Rachel quietly asked as if she was afraid of disturbing the silence. Cuddy smiled and turned her head, looking at her companion but before either one them could answer, Rachel yelled half-laughing. I saw one ! She pointed the sky where the falling star has already disappeared. You have to make a wish every time you see one, her mother said. House and Cuddy looked at each other a moment. He could tell she was delighted and happy that they shared such a moment. Can I tell you my wish ? asked Rachel, crossing her arms on her chest with a smile. No you have to keep it a secret until it's accomplished, said Cuddy. But if it never happens ?
You always get what you need, Rach. Cuddy looked up at her companion, smiling at the reference that only she could understand. His voice was calm and soft but she knew him to well not to see his discomfort. Cuddy knew it wasn't the most comfortable position for him but, it was deeper than the pain in his leg. She wished she could take his hand, telling him with that gesture that she was there, whatever unpleasant memories he was lost in. Would you like to hear some stories ? he asked after a moment. Rachel nodded and wriggled a little to get closer when he began to show her specific stars. She asked questions to which he answered with the most simple words he could find. Cuddy listened to them, a silent witness of their complicity. A little after one a.m., House felt Rachel's head finding a place against his arms. Can we sleep in the garden tonight ? she asked with a yawn, wriggling under the covers. Not tonight honey, Cuddy said, telling her it was time to go back to bed. Tomorrow then ?
Thank you Howse, Rachel whispered, hugging him quickly as he sat. She left a tiny kiss on his cheek before following her mother in the villa. Left alone in the garden, House began to rub his thigh. His fingers found hesitantly the place where she's kissed him and he closed his eyes. Tonight had been special and he'd lie to himself if he said that he hadn't liked it. She fell asleep almost immediately, Cuddy said as she approached him but frowned as soon as she saw his face, what's wrong ? She sat near him and took his hand. I'm just tired and my leg hurts, he answered. She put two fingers under his bearded chin. Don't lie to me. His eyes were two pale and grey pearls. They were so melancholic and lonely that it shot a painful jolt through her heart. Why are you so sad ? she wondered, caressing his cheek with her thumb. Right where Rachel's kissed him. Lips half-opened, House shook slowly his head.
When I was a kid ... , he began hesitantly. He searched her pale blue eyes in the night and immediately found them. She was beautiful as always but something in the way she was looking at him reassured him. Cuddy didn't say anything, knowing how hard it was for him. They didn't physically touch each other anymore but there was more between them at that time. My father ... House inhaled deeply and bit his lips ... Sometimes, he made me sleep outside when ... when I ... The rest of the words died in his throat. Oh my god, but ... you were just a ch-ild, she stammered lowly. He saw tears in her eyes and he wasn't sure how to behave if she prayed for more answers. She didn't. That's why I know them so much, he continued with a fragile smile. House leaned forward and captured her tears with his lips. She felt sorry for the little boy he once has been. I've got new memories now, with the two of you, he whispered. She took his hand and watched as he interlaced their fingers. That's not so simple, Cuddy said sadly.
I want it to be. I wish ... Cuddy placed a finger on his lips and whispered : Then find your falling star and make a wish. He stared at her a moment, then looked down when he thought he was himself closed to tears. Cuddy took his hand as they stood and kissed him tenderly, telling him in a whisper that she loved him. He followed her inside the villa, glancing at the sky one more time. Just as he stepped inside, a falling star crossed the celestial sphere.
Thanks.