Chapter 3

Cuddy quickly made her way back to her bedroom. She didn't want to miss out on anything, especially since something so huge just happened between her and House. She had finally calmed Rachel enough to lay her in her crib and stuck around until she fell asleep, then she crept her way back to the place where passionate love had just ensued between her and a man she's been dreaming about for years. House was laying comfortably in her thick down comforter and started to drift off when he heard her enter the room. Opening his eyes he glanced her way, watching her remove the robe she had adorned and slip back into bed beside him. Sighing deeply she snaked an arm around his chest and nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck.

"I like this," she stated.

House readjusted his position and scooped her up into his arms so they lay side by side holding on to the one another. He had to admit that he really enjoyed it too. For the first time in a long time he felt truly happy.

"Thank you," House whispered, almost too soft to hear.

"For what?" She asked, lifting her head slightly from his chest.

"For not pushing me away. For telling me what was wrong with you, and about Rachel. I always think the worst when I approach you about stuff. I never know how you're gonna react and in turn I never know what I'm gonna say to it." Being honest with himself was becoming an easy thing to do, and telling her how he felt was coming just as easy. He was almost proud of the step he's taken, but at the same time a little scared. What was she gonna do with this new House…is she going to expect this new softer side all the time? And at work?

"I don't really know how to take that House…" she trailed off thinking hard about the next thing to come from her mouth. "I didn't push you away because you cared enough to ask what was wrong and didn't make it into some kind of joke. You were a human being for once not making some smart ass comment about my boobs or ever widening ass. I've always wanted to open up to you and as hard as that may be to understand, it's true. Even when you're a complete bastard I trust you implicitly! You may be scared now of how you're feeling, but put yourself in my shoes." She didn't want this to become an argument after just confessing their love to one another but she was getting heated, fast.

"I don't want you to be angry…I was just letting you know how I was feeling. It's all new to me here, this whole confession of love and acceptance is something I've never done. Ever! I just want to be completely honest with you…don't be mad please!" He tightened his grip on her afraid that she'd get up from the bed and leave him.

Letting out a long sigh she snuggled back into him. "I'm not mad. I understand what you're feeling. I've been feeling the same thing for years but it's tough to break your shell when you put up such a thick wall. I didn't think I'd ever get through!"

House started to feel a little damp, and looking down he saw Cuddy wipe away some fresh tears. Bringing his hand from her back he gently wiped them away and she tilted her head to look into his eyes.

"I love you Cuddy…and I'm gonna try hard to always let you break my wall down. Hell, I want you to shatter it!" He attempted humor.

Smiling up at him she saw the sincerity in his eyes. After 20 years he's finally come around.

She brought her smiling mouth up to his and gave him a sweet, sensual kiss. He deepened it, causing a small whimper to escape her lips.

"I love you House!" She moaned in between kisses.