11/16/2008

Disclaimer: I don't own House or Cuddy, David Shore does. See previous chapters for other disclaimers.

Rated M Please R&R!

My apologies for the lateness and shortness of the chapter, I've been very busy with work.

Chapter 5

University: The San Raffaele Del Monte Tabor Foundation: .it/EN_

Antonio's Milan flat: .?currlang=EN&name=000779

House's gift to his son: .?cPath=323_536

House moved in with Cuddy and Antonio the following weekend. But life for the three of them wasn't all sunshine and puppies. Cuddy and House argued over the simplest things: what kind of bed to get House, how to decorate Antonio's bedroom, and of course, the argument of arguments: how to raise their son. They fought about that constantly!

House wanted to raise his son on the belief that "everybody lies". House found it useful in his own life; why not pass it down to Antonio? Cuddy wouldn't have any of that. She wanted to raise her son, to be sensible, trusting of others, have a strong work ethic, but also know when to cut loose and have fun. House provided that, when he would take Antonio to Monster Truck rallies, courtesy of Wilson and his credit card. This happened quite often, much to the dismay of Cuddy.

Time and years passed and House and Cuddy continued on with their practice at the hospital. House would never admit it to anyone, but he had grown to love his son and was everything his own dad wasn't. Yes at times, House was sarcastic and abrasive, but he could also be caring and romantic at times. He never hit his son, only yelled at him when he was being an idiot.

Antonio grew up and was soon finished with high school and entering college. Against his parent's wishes of studying medicine in the USA, Antonio chose to study in Italy, as per his ethnicity. This was a source of tension and much argument in their household.

After much research on the web, he found the perfect place. The San Raffaele Del Monte Tabor Foundation located in Milan. Antonio now in his mid 20's decided to major in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Antonio was fluent in Italian thanks in part to his mom's use of it at home and taking classes at the local community college. There was nothing he wanted more than to study medicine in his home land. It thrilled him to no end to think of all of the wonderful things he'd be doing. Unlike House, Antonio had a knack for learning and excelled quite well in school, graduating first in his class in high school.

Cuddy and House were happy that their son got accepted into one of the best medical Universities in Italy. This particular university was a private University, which neither of them cared about as they had money to pay for their son's schooling.

Soon the time arrived for Antonio to leave for Milan to start studying at the University. Cuddy of course cried her eyes out and gave her son a scrap book that she had made with tons of pictures of his first birthday to various holidays etc. He cherished the thoughtful gift. She also gave him a picture of herself and House that had been taken recently at a party. Wilson gave Antonio a list of colleagues in Milan that he had contacted who were willing to help Antonio while he was there studying. The young man was happy to have all the help he could get. The Ducklings: Chase, Cameron, Foreman, Taub, Kutner and Thirteen all gave him various other gifts. The last gift that was given to him was by House, who was very not to subtle about giving it to his son. He tossed Antonio a box and told him to open it up. Inside was a Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Watch. Cuddy just glared at House as she watched him toss Antonio the box. House in turn rolled his eyes.

It was Cuddy and Wilson who had convinced House to buy Antonio this gift. They both knew the young man would thoroughly enjoy the gift. Antonio thanked both his parents for their gift and House was unexpectedly all at once, hugged by his son. Now everyone knew that House wasn't the kind of man to show emotion, much less accept a hug from someone. But seeing as his son was leaving for University, he in kind, gave his son a short hug. From which everyone smiled. House of course glared at them, particularly his Ducklings and they knew without House saying a word, that if this got around the halls of the hospital, they'd be jobless. They were all smart enough to keep quiet. Cuddy was being sneaky and snapped a quick picture using a digital camera.

Soon time had passed and the young man gave everyone a hug goodbye as he headed off to the airport via taxi. The young man didn't want to make a scene out of his leaving, so this is why he suggested having a send away party at his parents home.

That night, after everyone left, House and Cuddy spent some quiet time together, remembering the memories they had shared with their son.

TBC.