Chapter 5

House and Cuddy finally rolled out of bed around 11:30, both dreading the visit from DHS. Realizing the house wasn't as pristine as usual, Cuddy scrambled around like a mad woman straightening up here and there hoping to set a good impression with the case worker. House just stood back, already having been chewed out once for being in the way. He was scared to be mauled to death, especially today when tempers were running high and nerves were on point. So he just hung out near Rachel's nursery door looking useful but silently praying she didn't cry or make a fuss. He wasn't the consoling type…especially to small things that couldn't speak and smelled like vomit. The thought alone scared the hell out of him, but he promised to be there for Cuddy so he knew he couldn't leave.

"I think you've cleaned this place to death Cuddy…why don't you take a break?" He pointed out to her.

"I'll take a break when this floor shines so bright I can see my face in it!" She shot back.

"No one is expecting this house to look like it belongs on a Mr. Clean commercial. You have a kid remember? It's supposed to smell like a dirty diaper, that comes with the job of mommy!"

She looked up from her scrubbing to stare at him. Of all the people to be right, she definitely thought he'd be the last. Especially about parenting and how people perceive them. But all in all he had a point, and she stood up, bringing her cleaning supplies with her.

"I guess you have a point there."

"I always have a point, and it's usually right on."

"I'm just nervous…I want everything to be perfect. I don't want them to have a reason to deem me an unfit mother. If I lose her over dirty floors and a little dust …" She began but was cut off when House walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her skinny waist, nuzzling himself in her hair.

"They're not gonna give a shit about your streaky floors, dusty shelves or sink full of dishes. They're coming to evaluate your ability to take care of an infant, while running a hospital. And doing it all on your own. If you can wow them by showing them all of that, you're golden!" He explained, gripping her a bit tighter.

Relaxing a bit more to his touch, Cuddy buried her face in his neck and sighed.

"I'm glad you're here…I couldn't do this without you! I love you!"

"I love you too!"

Just as House finished his declaration of love, the doorbell rang, making them both jump apart. Cuddy looked him in the eyes, slight fear showing in her own, and gently straightened herself up a bit before walking to the door. She grabbed the knob, sighed, then opened the door with a bright smile welcoming their visitor.

"Hello…Dr Cuddy I presume?"

"Yes…it's nice to meet you," she greeted and shook the man's hand.

"I'm Aaron Banks, from DHS. I've read over your file and I must say it's quite impressive." He explained still standing in the doorway.

"Why do you come in and we can discuss this in a more comfortable area."

"That would be great, thank you"

He brushed past her and started toward the living room noticing House on his way.

"Oh hello, I Aaron Banks, and you are?"

"House, Dr Greg house, friend of Dr Cuddy's." He shook the man's hand but his face was expressionless. He was Cuddy's friend, more then that actually but wasn't sure if they declared that part of their relationship yet. Sure, they've had sex…lots of sex but were they exclusive to one another? Should he be calling her his girlfriend, significant other? He had no idea, so for now, friend was all he offered.

"Oh I'm sorry, this is Greg, my boyfriend. He's here for moral support I guess." Cuddy stated.

House sighed in relief as Cuddy spit out the word boyfriend. He was glad that was cleared up for him without having to ask.

"Well it's nice to meet you Greg, shall we get started then?" He asked, trying to hurry things along.

"Of course," Lisa replied.

"Ok."

Two hours later, Aaron Banks left. A wave of confusion and confidence ran across Cuddy's face. She knew things went well, she was skilled in speaking and reasoning and thought she made every point necessary in proving to herself and DHS worker that she's a great mother. But when he left, a little glimpse of fear flashed across her face and didn't leave. He didn't seem impressed by her at all, actually seemed a little annoyed.

"I don't know if that actually went as well as I thought…" She stated after about 20 minutes of silence.

House just sat there not knowing what to say. He knew it didn't go well, but wasn't sure why.

"Don't you have anything to say?"

He just shook his head and stared at the wall. His brain was on overdrive going back over everything that was said, trying to figure out what went wrong. Was she too confident? Was she cocky, and intimidating? She can be all of these things at times but only when defending something she really wanted or better yet, needed. He couldn't think of a single thing. To him it all went perfectly, but he had this horrible feeling in his gut that told him something bad was about to happen.

"House, you're scaring me! Say something!" Cuddy pleaded.

"I…I don't know what to say Cuddy. Something didn't go right, but I can't figure out what."

"I know…he left here with a look right? I weird look on his face like he didn't approve of what I'm doing here." She remembered, wincing at the memory all too fresh in her mind.

"Yeah," was all he could say in reply.

"What are we gonna do? Should I call a little later and try to find out some more information? Should I sit here and do nothing? What House…help me out here!" She begged.

"I don't know Cuddy…I really don't know."

It wasn't like House to be so vague. He was the one always full of answers and comments, and to have him so silent and serene scared Cuddy to death. She needed someone to be strong for her, take her mind off of everything that had just happened.

House stood up and crossed the room to where she was sitting on the couch and plopped sown beside her. He nonchalantly lifted his arm and draped it across her shoulders. At his actions, she leaned into his touch and laid her head on his shoulder. Just the sudden display of affection from him brought tears to her eyes, and as they rolled their way down her cheeks to his shirt, House realized just how much it was affecting him too. He also began to cry silently to himself.