Living Proof

Hello, thanks to all the people who read and leave reviews.

On May, 15th I wrote a story telling us how Rachel and Cuddy deciced that Howse definitely deserved a birthday present. Do you remember what Cuddy offered him ? (Living Proof #11)

This chapter is a flash-back of that particular moment.

And was written for a dear friend. Happy Birthday Lili ... (blablablaaa)

Enjoy as much as I love it.

Ju

Living Proof
14.

It was late when the taxi stopped in front of her home. The moon was discreet and the stars shining above her head, Cuddy thanked the driver and paid for the travel from the train station. The neighbourhood was quiet and the outside lamp under the porch guided her to the villa. She could picture him in her mind, turning it on for her to be sure she wasn't left in the dark when she came home. It has genuinely surprised her the first time, but the feeling has soon disappeared. Cuddy has felt welcomed and cherish in a way she has rarely felt before, knowing that she was wanted somewhere that wasn't the hospital. The house was quiet too. The calm atmosphere was some king of a trigger and she felt the fatigue rolled over her quickly. The conference in Philadelphia has been interesting but Cuddy has found herself thinking about going home more often than she would have guessed. A few years ago, such a though wouldn't have crossed her mind because nothing – or no one – was never waiting for her after work. The villa was a nice place to live – and work. During countless evenings, she had finished writing emails and letters, reading files or reviewing some reports for a meeting. In many ways and for many years, her home has been an extension of the hospital. But not anymore. Adopting Rachel has changed everything, helping her to drawn a firm line between her work and her daughter. Her little girl was the precious gift she has ever been given in her life, she was a real blessing.

A lamp in the living room was still on, Cuddy noticed as she stepped out of her heels and took off her jacket. Her heart fluttered at the sight of the three pair of shoes under the coat rail: a small pair of basket, a pair of grey and yellow Nike one and her heels. She felt ridiculously happy. He was there too, House. The challenging blue-eye man she has met in Michigan and never stopped admiring and loving. He still owned his apartment though, she often wondered if he'd want to abandon his place and become an official part of the family she was trying to build with him. His commitment to their relationship's been hard for him and still was. At first, it seemed that he didn't know where he'd belonged anymore. The presence of Rachel was still at some point disconcerting. The fondness her daughter expressed for the funny man who loves her mommy was becoming more and more visible every day. Cuddy glanced at his keys on the cupboard before heading toward the living room.

...

"Oh god" she whispered, half-chuckling. Cuddy backed off a little, biting her lips as if she has stepped into something private. Both her man and daughter were sprawled on the couch, sleeping soundly. A soft snoring was coming from House's half-opened lips. Curled up on him and in her pyjamas, Rachel has her head on his left shoulder and her face hidden in the crook of his neck, her body covering half of his chest and trapped between House and the couch. His left arm was protectively wrapped around Rachel's back and made Cuddy wonder if it was unconscious and voluntary. Whatever this was, her love for him grew even more stronger. To her teary eyes, they were the two most beautiful persons in her world.

There was something comforting in watching a wounded man peacefully asleep beside a young child. Her man, she thought. The one she loved, the one who chose her a long time ago and loved her in return. Cuddy wondered if he really realized how much he was needed, how much he was giving them just by being present. When she has talked about the conference in Philadelphia, House has protested against the baby-sitting; like he always did anyway. "I trust you with her" she has said, being rewarded with a soft groan and a mumbled nod from House. After the usual bargaining, a little peck on the lips and a smile, the capitulation was signed. Silently, she pulled out her cell phone and took a photo of her two loves, grinning in the dark as she imagined House's reaction at the picture. The domesticity of the scene made her feel something she hadn't felt before. It was clear he has never thought of himself as a father figure and had never expected to play such an important role in the life of a child. That was probably the reason why Rachel felt so closed to him. There weren't any expectations from her. When the pain was minor, he has such a lively personality that it met Rachel's needs easily. During bad days however, he retrieved and Cuddy knew it was because he didn't want Rachel to see it, to see how hurt he was, protecting her from something he has learned himself way to young. The extents of suffering and both physics and mental injuries House has endured during his childhood were still and for a most part a painful mystery.

...

The softness in House's blue eyes made Cuddy aware of every cell in her body. His arm wrapped more tightly around Rachel as he tried to move, but failed. He rolled his eyes but returned her smile. No word has been pronounced yet but the silent dialogue between them filled their heart of longing. Cuddy padded toward the couch and sat next to him, playing with his fingers.

"You're late" he whispered. She smiled, his voice sounded sleepy.

"Train was late" she answered, though he already knew it. She has texted him immediately.

"She wanted to wait until you came back" he said when she looked at Rachel and caressed her back "jealous 'cause she stole your favourite place?"

He grinned but instantly frowned when she didn't respond. House took hold of her hand with his right one and squeezed it slightly. Her eyes were misty, she seemed lost in her thoughts.

"You're okay?"

With a tired smile, she nodded slowly and looked at their joined hands for a long time. Rachel hadn't moved at all, comfortably curled up upon him. It wasn't the first time but it has never lasted so long. She wondered if his leg hurt, if -

"I love you" she said, her voice so quiet it was barely a whisper. She half-realized what she's just said and looked tenderly in his eyes.

"Well, that makes two of us then" House answered playfully, watching her smile softly at his hidden nervousness.

"Does that mean you love you or you love me?" she continued, amused. Their fingers were still intertwined.

"I'll let you guess"

"Ass"

"Yep"

House grinned devilishly when she shook her head. One hand on his chest, Cuddy pecked him lightly several times and barely drew back when Rachel woke up. House sighed desperately.

"Mommy?"

"Hi honey" Cuddy smiled and careful of House's bad leg took Rachel on her laps "it's time to go to bed"

"I miss you" her daughter said and threw her arms around Cuddy's neck.

"I miss you too" she answered.

Her eyes never left her companion's blue ones.

…

"Howse, he is the best story teller ever" Rachel said in a hushed voice when Cuddy tucked her in "'d night mommy, I love you"

"I love you too" Cuddy managed quickly and watched her little girl drift into sleep. She stayed with her a moment, mesmerized by how secure Rachel felt with both of them. She's seen the two bowls of popcorn and the DVD of Monsters, Inc. in the living room and smiled in the dark at the souvenir. Wilson has bought the DVD but House has been condemned – such were his words anyway – to watch it with Rachel.

…

House turned off the light in the living room and limped toward the entry, verifying the door was correctly locked. Cuddy met him half-way in the corridor and faced him. His hands found her waist, hers found his chest again.

"I missed you too, Sully" she mocked gently.

"Do I look like a furry blue monster with horns and purple spots?" he retorted offended, frowning.

"You're a gentle monster"

"You're not afraid?" he asked, pulling her closer "I'm very good at make you scream"

Cuddy laughed joyfully, shaking her head. He shushed her with a series of light kisses. She took his hands and let him drag her slowly to the bedroom where he undressed her with a gentleness that left her breathless.

"Thanks for Rachel" Cuddy whispered against his skin. She untied his shirt and let it fall on the floor "for everything" she kissed him once more and unbuckle his belt and jean "you're so loved"

"Shut up" House replied quickly but with an equal tone.

His voice was soft but nervous, embarrassed by the purity of her words and the unexpected happiness that washed over him at the moment. He kissed her smile and followed her under the sheets. Spooned against his chest, Cuddy soon closed her eyes and forgot everything that wasn't him.

"How can you fell asleep so fast?" he wondered, breathing her in.

Her answer was given sleepily.

"Because I'm exactly where I wanna be"

Thanks...