Out With A Bang

By Jules

(8/10)

A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing! Sorry for the wait-Monday's episode depressed the hell out of me. I have no idea where the show's going, but here's hoping it will lead to some place where House and Cuddy can find themselves and be happy again.

"It's been such a long time." Blythe smiled placidly as she led Cuddy into the living room. She hadn't seen Dr. Cuddy in years. She widened her smile, trying to cover up the trepidation she felt with her unexpected visitor. "I hope my son is behaving himself."

Blythe was like a delicate porcelain doll. Cuddy didn't know what to say. It was clear why House had always been both distant and protective of her. "He's….well, he's House."

They set down on the sofa; silence pervaded the room. Cuddy wasn't sure what she was getting herself into, but she couldn't stop now.

"How is my son?" Blythe finally broke the silence.

"You haven't spoken to him?" Cuddy asked measuredly, unsure of what the perimeters were.

Blythe looked down and twisted her wedding ring. "Not recently. He's….well, he's Gregory."

It struck Cuddy like a hard blow—Blythe didn't have a clue they had been together. Then the gnawing realization hit her: it had been months since House had spoken to or seen his mother. She would have to be the truth bearer tonight.

Cuddy took a deep breath. "I'm in love with your son, Mrs. House."

"Oh!" Blythe audibly gasped, tears filling her eyes instantly. She batted away the unexpected tears, waving her hands in front of her face. "I'm sorry—I don't know what's wrong with me. I'd always hoped… prayed he would find somebody…."

Cuddy grasped Blythe's hands, calming her and making her focus. "I love him. And he loves me. But there are things…. parts of his past he can't let go. I don't want to give up on him, but I don't think I can help him. I think he needs you….and his real father to make peace with it all."

Blythe's face paled and she pulled her hands back from Cuddy. "His real father? He… His father died over two years ago."

Cuddy shook her head slowly, not breaking eye contact with Blythe. "Not John. His real father. He's with him right now."

"….Caleb? But how—" Blythe covered her mouth and closed her eyes.

"I think he's known since he was a young boy," Cuddy said gently.

"Oh." Blythe stood up and walked to the window. "Oh."

Cuddy stood up and followed her. "I want a future with your son, but House doesn't know how to trust, to really open himself up to the people he loves. He's scared of pain, which makes him scared of love. And with all due respect, I think it has a great deal to do with you and how John treated him as a child."

Blythe steely lifted her chin. "I love my son, Dr. Cuddy."

"I'm sure you do. But you didn't protect him when he needed it."

"I did everything I could—" Blythe snapped, horrified and defensive. She loved her son, she loved him—there had been some difficult times, yes, but she loved her son—

Everybody lies, everybody lies, Cuddy repeated House's favorite phrase to herself. The blatant denial of the abuse, the refusal to look the past in the eye made Cuddy all the more determined to push the truth out in the open. "No. No you didn't. I have a daughter. And I would do whatever it takes to keep her safe. I would never let anyone hurt her. I can look into her eyes and know she feels safe and happy. House doesn't have that."

"Dr. Cuddy, I'm afraid you are mistaken. House…. exaggerates. John was just a strict disciplinarian. Every family has their ups and downs."

Cuddy swallowed, her heart breaking for House. His favorite phrase began to repeat and expand, Everybody lies that loves you. "I see him everyday—a man doesn't deflect, hold back, cover up his feelings because his father was merely strict with him."

Blythe closed her eyes, the slight cracks of truth falling down her face, shattering the delicate, stoic demeanor. "I think you need to leave."

"Fine. You don't have to tell me anything. But your son is in Danville, lost to me because he can't let the past go. If you love him, you'll acknowledge it. There's no way he can't let go if you're still carrying around your guilt."

Cuddy waited, but Blythe had shut down. There was nothing more she could say. Cuddy grabbed her purse and began to walk to the door.

Blythe stared blankly. She did everything, everything…. Everything except see it and stop it.

"Dr. Cuddy."

Cuddy reached for the door knob.

"Wait."