Living Proof

Hi everyone,

One Living Proof for a special occasion, 15th of May ... It took place one week after "Living Proof 10".

Enjoy the reading as much as I enjoy writing it !
Thanks for the review, as always.

Ju

11.

Under the wooden awning behind the villa, Cuddy smiled at the sound of forks clattering on plates. The silent approval of this evening ritual filled the nocturnal atmosphere. She took her own plate and met House's gaze before taking a seat next to him. Everything sounded and looked like they were on holidays. Dining in the garden wasn't something she'd been used to doing through the years. But diner has now taken a particular meaning, a sort of familial moment they've learn to love and share together during the last twelve months. They ate quietly, making small-talk and listening to Rachel who was telling them all the things she's seen at the museum they visited with her school that day.

You've tomatoes everywhere, Rachel suddenly laughed. She swallowed her own spaghetti, raising her head and looking straight into House's blue eyes. He grinned and made a funny face; and as Rachel burst into laughter, Cuddy rewarded him with a slight push. With a genuine smile, he simply shrugged and finished his plate.

Can we go now? Rachel whispered to her mother. House frowned as the two Cuddy smiled to each other. The elder nodded; Rachel stood in front of House, claiming for his attention. You can't come, you have to stay here, she said very seriously. That's very kind of you, he answered playfully, one eyebrow arched. She squinted but approved with a nod. He eyed her when she rushed into the villa.

I don't like the two of you conspiring behind my back, he grumbled and turned his head toward Cuddy who was smiling from ear to ear. You can wash the dishes, she nonchalantly said as she stood. He shook his head and wrapped his left arm around her waist, welcoming her on his good leg. Oh no, I'm not, he replied. She smirked and softly pressed her lips against his. He moaned quietly when she parted her lips, brushing his mouth with her tongue. She kept kissing him for a while as he lazily answered. Yes you are, she murmured with a peck on top of his nose. House looked at her a few seconds before releasing her from his tender embrace. Yeah, maybe that I am, he sighed.

The next morning.

Can I wake him up? Rachel asked in a low voice, looking up at her mother standing behind her. Cuddy nodded and followed her as she made her way to the bed and sat next to the sleeping silhouette of House. With a bright smile, Rachel kissed his unshaven cheek and slightly shook his shoulder. Running one hand on his sleepy face, he sat against the bedstead. On her knees, Rachel bit her lips and handed him a little box and an envelope. Happy birthday Howse! she happily claimed.

He tried as much as possible to hide his embarrassment, but Cuddy saw the confusion in his blue eyes despite the little smile he offered to Rachel. Thanks Shortie, he said softly. Open it! she pressed him, laughing in turn. The happiness in her voice made the two adults smile to each other. Is that me? he asked chuckling as he showed them the drawing. Yes! Howse and Mum and me. You like it?

I do, Rach, thanks. He then took the box, feeling the little girl's attentive eyes on him. A small lapis lazuli amulet fell on the palm of his hand; different shades of blue were running on the surface. It's like your eyes, Rachel said shyly. House felt a tender feeling rising into his chest and bent forward, leaving a kiss on her forehead. Thank you very much.

You can put it with you howse keys. It'll always be with you, she offered hopefully. That'd be an excellent idea, he replied, making her smile cheerfully. House rolled the mineral stone between his fingers and listened to her, telling him she bought it at the museum the day before. The little girl left the bedroom a moment as she went after his keys. Did she buy that with the money we gave her last week? House asked as Cuddy came closer and said: If you'd known, you'd have given the tooth fairy a hundred bucks.

He laughed and shook his head. She shouldn't have …

She loves you, she simply said. Cuddy bit her lips and took his right hand. You deserve us, House. When she asked me when your birthday was, I couldn't … I know you don't like celebrating your birthday, but it's the first one you have with us. And I think you'd better get used to it. He lowered his gaze, a little shaken by all the promises contained into her words. Cuddy easily witnessed the meaning of this gift in his companion's eyes, knowing that he would cherish it for the rest of his life. She kissed him softly. I know you think I've already given you your present, she continues. He grinned at the souvenirs of their love-making in the early morning. When a wave of pure pleasure has finally surrounded them, she has whispered him a happy birthday before kissing him devotedly, sheltered under his masculine body. But I've got something else for you. Cuddy handed him another envelope.

Rachel came back, jumped on the bed and gave him the key. What is it? she asked when she saw the framed photo. Us, House answered. He shook his head and bit his lips, showing the little girl the picture Cuddy has offered him. He remembered very well that evening when, coming home after a conference in Philadelphia, Cuddy has found them asleep on the couch, Rachel curled up on him.

Huh yes, she laughed, you were so snoring! House glanced at her and replied shockingly : No, I wasn't!

Cuddy rolled her eyes, smiling and took the presents just as, reaching for Rachel's arms, House began to tickle her.

Thanks ...