Chapter 4

The next morning was a little surreal for both of them. Memories of the previous night, their confession of love and countless hours of sex came flooding back full blast. Neither really knew what to expect. Of course House was afraid to be kicked out of bed, or worse, her life. But he remained hopeful as he watched Cuddy stir. She was awake but gave the illusion that she was still sleeping. She couldn't look him in the eye right now, not regretting anything that happened herself but afraid he'd label it as pity sex and claim he didn't mean anything he shared with her, calling it a booty call.

Cuddy felt his hands still on her body. And slowly the grip he had on her began to tighten and she was being shifted closer to him. She could feel his face dig in to the back of her head and nuzzle her hair, taking her scent and committing it to memory. A small moan escaped her lips and she could feel a smile form on House's lips from behind.

"Good morning." He spoke first, huge grin on his face.

"Morning House…sleep well?" She asked, making casual conversation.

"Very…of course last nights events helped a lot!"

"I'm glad." She didn't know what to say. "We should talk."

"I agree…you start."

Typical House to lay it all on her and make her out to be the bad guy. She had no idea what to say about this whole thing…all she knew was that last night was the best of her life and she wanted House to share her future. But how do you come right out and say that to someone?

"Last night…" She began, but didn't know where to go from there.

"Was…a mistake? A stupid choice? Pity sex? What Cuddy…you're obviously not happy so just come right out and say It!" His voice was breaking and rising to an uncomfortable level.

"I wasn't going to say any of those things!" She defended herself. "I was going to say special, amazing…life altering. Never in a million years would I regret what happened between us last night! I love you…I thought you knew that House? Do you regret it all?" Tears clearly evident in her eyes now.

Letting out a deep sigh he spoke. "You know I don't regret anything that happened…I've wanted this for so long I've just prepared myself for rejection. I know you love me…and I love you but sometimes that isn't enough." He explained sadly.

"It's enough for me!"

"Why do we always end up hurting each other then? I mean, you're crying…I'm a bitter pain in the ass. Those things don't make a healthy relationship."

"I don't want a healthy relationship House…I want you. I gave up on perfect happiness a long time ago. I want a bitter pain in the ass to come home to every night and just hold me."

House wrapped his arms tightly around her and kissed her head.

"You can have me as long as you want me. I'm never gonna leave you Cuddy! I'm never gonna leave Rachel either!" Kissing her head again he closed his eyes, praying he wouldn't open them to find this all a dream.

Cuddy leaned into his chest and planted a small kiss to his lips. Tears came to her eyes once again, but these were of happiness not hurt.

"We have a big day today…the case worker is coming this afternoon. I'm scared I'm gonna lose her House."

"We won't lose her…they have no legal reason to take her away. If we can show them that this is a happy, healthy environment to raise a child then it'll be fine."

"Well I guess we'll leave the part about us out of it huh…" She laughed.

House smiled and hugged her tighter.

"I love you."

"I love you too!"