CH 8
It had been a week since House was able to get out of his hospital bed and take his first walk, cane-less.
Cuddy continued to stop by every night after the hospital had cleared out and calmed down. Sometimes, they would sit and talk about how things were going, and how the ducklings were managing without him. Other nights, they would walk the corridors and exercise House's leg.
Both were enjoying the other's company. They still bantered and barbed, but somehow it was different – not for the people watching, but for them. There was the knowledge that the other cared deeply.
"Well, everything looks in order," Cuddy said as she looked over his medical charts. "It looks like you can be discharged tomorrow. I'll give you two months off to completely recover from the gunshot and to make sure the Ketamine is sticking. But after those 60 days, I expect you to be in the clinic or curing some rare disease. Do I make myself clear?"
"Clinic? How about I get three months off from the clinic, but two months off from diagnostics?"
"House, this is not a negotiation."
"Fine. Four months off clinic."
"What part of this is not a negotiation did you not understand?"
"Uh, the not part," House stated in his 'duh' tone.
Cuddy rolled her eyes in response.
"If you keep doing that, one of these days your eyes are going to get stuck like that. And though you do have a hot bod, I doubt that the donors will find you nearly as attractive with crossed eyes. Three months, final offer."
"Two months, final offer."
"Three months, and I will actually visit my current patient, when I return."
"Two months, you solve the cases and work the clinic."
"Two months, but only four hours a week."
"House, you have to do clinic duty, and you have to put in all eight of your hours. Not your ducklings, but you."
"But moooooooom! I was shot, I'm terrified, and too much stress won't be doing me any good so soon after recovery," he pouted, somewhat sarcastic.
"Two months with six hours when you return, final offer."
"Deal."
Cuddy gave a sarcastic smile, turned on her heel and began to saunter out of the room.
"I would've worked the eight hours, you know!" House called after her.
Peeking her head through the door, Cuddy smiled triumphantly.
"And I would've settled for you working only four hours a week," and with that, she was gone.
House lied back, resting his head on his hands. Smiling, he thought about what was going to happen between them after he was finally discharged tomorrow. Twelve hours from now, he'd be a different man – not completely different, but pain and drug free. One who could go for jogs or long walks in the park, and most importantly, a man who would be able to keep up with and take care of the woman he loves. He'd be able to dance with her, carry her, run with her, and take her for romantic walks in the park. Everything he had wanted to do for so many years. All of the things that they did back in college. All the things that mattered to her, he'd be able to do. Of course, he planned on still being an ass, a jerk, and a know-it-all, but for her, he'd let her see the side of himself that had first drawn her in. He'd be the man she wants and needs, along with the misanthropic jerk, who had also weaseled his way into her heart.
Now, the only question that remained, was how to ask her out, where they would go, and what they would do. He still didn't want to put too much strain on his leg, but he was sure that he could dance a little. He'd have to do a lot of research tomorrow. With the thoughts of him and Cuddy together, House drifted off to sleep.
THREE DAYS LATER
Packing her briefcase, turning off the lamp, and grabbing her purse, Cuddy made her way out to the lobby. It had been a long day, and as she paused to lock her door, she thought about House. She hadn't seen or heard from him since she discharged him. She didn't know what to think or how do feel. Strike that. She felt rejected, hurt. He had asked her out, or at least suggested that they go on a date after he was let go. Well, it's been three days, and he hadn't so much as e-mailed her or popped by to annoy her. Did he really care about her? Does he still want a relationship with me? It was needless to say that Cuddy was feeling a little insecure about where they stood. She thought that these past twenty years had been building to something, and she thought that they had finally reached the same page, but now House wasn't House – he could walk without a cane, he could dance, he could run. He wasn't a cripple any more. Cuddy felt a stab of jealousy at the thought of other women looking at him and flirting with him. What if he finds someone else? No. He wouldn't. He came to save me. He knows that I accepted and loved him before the Ketamine, and that wouldn't change now. But since he's no longer a cripple, when other women give him the time of day, will he forget about me and find someone prettier, sexier? Her stomach dropped. Surely not… letting out a heavy sigh, she made her way to her car.
Meanwhile, House was sitting in front of his computer in his office back at his apartment. He had found the perfect event for their date. It'd be just like things they did in college. They'd be able to be Greg and Lisa, and not House and Cuddy, although they would always act like an old married couple. He smirked, thinking how they both enjoyed the banter and one-upmanship. He thoroughly enjoyed their dynamic. They truly we're each other's half.
Reclining into his chair, he decided to give Cuddy two more days before making his move. Surely she'd be surprised and extremely enthused. Now to just sit and wait. House called and made reservations and bought the tickets. Cuddy was in for a treat. Thinking ahead, House also called into the office and left word with her secretary that Cuddy had 'something important, that suddenly came up, and would therefore be unable to come into work Friday' and that she would most likely 'need the weekend to recover from her personal leave.' With that, her secretary rescheduled her appointments, and cleared her schedule for those three days. Man, am I good, or am I good? House smiled, turned off his lamp and made his way to bed.
TWO DAYS LATER
Wednesday. It had been nearly a week since House had been discharged and spoken to her. Cuddy was a little ticked. Obviously he had chickened out, again. Today had started off badly, and was only getting worse. Her alarm didn't go off, she was an hour late to work, she almost missed a board meeting, and on top of all that, she managed to leave some paperwork at home. Plus, not to mention that House has been nonexistent for the past week. She was on her last nerve. Picking up a file from the ever-growing pile on her desk, she began to type violently on her laptop. What a wonderful day. How could it possibly get any better than this? Sigh. Watch my computer freeze or something. She stopped typing, resting her face in the palm of her hand.
The door swung open.
"I'm busy. Whatever it is can wait," she didn't look up, but spoke firmly.
House was a little taken aback by her sharpness.
"Well hello to you too, Cuddles."
Cuddy's head shot up.
"Oh. What a surprise. Here I thought you'd left the country. Nice to know that you're still in the state."
"What's your problem?"
"Well, let's see, House. How about the fact that you say you care about me, and suggest a date when you are discharged, but when that day finally comes, you just up and leave. You didn't even have the courtesy to call or e-mail or anything to let me know that you are still interested. Because I am. I am so tired of you not being ready for this relationship, or at least the next step. I'm tired of waiting, House. Plus, I've had just about the shittiest week in the history of forever on top of all this. So, if you could please, just make it quick and then leave."
She made eye contact and held it until her last sentence, where she looked down and began to massage her temples. If he's not ready, I have to move on. Twenty-some odd years is long enough, Lisa. Even you have your standards.
"Look Lisa," he began softly – the use of her first mane throwing her off guard as her head shot up as it sounded from his lips. "I've been doing PT and trying to work things out – getting all my ducks in a row. I came here to tell you that I am ready, and that I booked our date for tomorrow night. No exceptions."
"Hous-"
"I've worked everything out. I called in and cleared your schedule from Friday through Sunday. All you have to do is say 'yes,' and be ready at four, wearing something casual."
Cuddy was ecstatic. He had planned an entire weekend almost, it sounded like. But, they wouldn't be House and Cuddy if she didn't-
"House, you can't just clear my schedule without me knowing. I have responsibilities. I have a hospital to run."
"Cuddy, first of all, you didn't have that many meetings scheduled, and when was the last time you've taken a day off? Ummm… never? So you are taking the end of the week off."
Cuddy couldn't hide her smile any longer. She wasn't mad, she was thrilled that he would plan something like this for them, for her.
"Fine. But this better be good."
"Oh, this will be better than good. Tomorrow at four, be ready, I won't be late."
With that, House was out the door and on his bike riding away before Cuddy even had a chance to respond. Cuddy smiled ethereally. This was crazy, she had a date with Gregory House. The Gregory House. She hadn't felt this way since she was with him in college. No other man could ever make her feel the same way he did. Cuddy knew that she was in trouble. Ever since Michigan, he had ruined her for other men. There was no way she was going to let either of them mess this up. After few minutes of reminiscing, Cuddy immersed herself back into her paperwork. If she wasn't going to come in Friday or Saturday, or even Sunday, she had a lot of work to get done before tomorrow at three.
The past day and a half seemed to tick by slowly. Cuddy kept finding herself watching the clock, and counting down then hours and minutes until it was time for her to leave and get ready. She had planned on leaving at three and just throwing something casual on and only touching up her makeup, but as she impatiently tapped her pen on her desk as she looked at the clock. 1:50. Screw it. She huffed and began to pack up her things. I can't stand staying here. I'll just go home and take a shower and get ready. Cuddy grabbed her belongings and left the hospital faster than anyone had ever witnessed her do. Of course, the minute the doors shut behind her, the hospital staff was a buzz with gossip and speculations as to why she was leaving so early and in such a rush.
Checking his watch, House noted that it was 2:00 and jumped in the shower. After he washed up, he dried off, wrapping his towel around his waste, and shaved. Once he deemed himself 'stud,' he made his way to his bedroom and put on his nicest pair of jeans, a light blue t-shirt and of course, his tennis shoes. He walked back into the bathroom and slapped on some cologne. He was ready.
Cuddy got home, placed her things in the living room by her coffee table and immediately got into the shower. She had no idea what she was going to wear. House had told her casual, but where were they going? She sighed as the warm water relaxed her. She washed her hair and shaved. Stepping out of the shower she donned a robe and wrapped her hair in the towel. She walked into her bedroom and sat down at her vanity. Applying her makeup, she decided to go more natural. She was a little tired, and since House said casual, she didn't feel the need to doll herself up as much. Plus, she knew that he liked her better without makeup. He had told her that once – in college. She smiled. Her mother had always told her, to wait for the man who said 'you look beautiful' when you are wearing sweats, and that was who Greg House was. She remembered that night. They were studying for midterms, and they had been up for hours. It was a Saturday, but Cuddy had been up all night Friday studying before House came over Saturday afternoon with takeout and more books. They sat on the floor, in front of her television eating Chinese food and watching Suspect, to this day, it had to have been her favorite study break ever. Half way through the movie, she realized that House had been watching her - her, in sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt, with her hair pulled up in a messy bun, and absolutely no makeup.
"What?"
Greg smiled.
"Nothing."
"You're staring at me, what is it?"
"You're beautiful," and with that he shoved s piece of chicken in his mouth and handed her another carton.
Cuddy missed that Greg. She loved this House, but she also loved Greg. But, she knew that her Greg wasn't gone, just hiding. She knew that House would let her see the side of himself that no one has ever had the privilege to witness, with the exception of Wilson in a few cases.
She smiled. Tonight was going to be fun. However, she knew that it could either go really badly or terribly wonderful. There would be no middle ground. She prayed that it would be the best date of her life. She hoped that this might be the last first date she would ever go on.
Putting her thoughts aside, she returned to her makeup. She dusted her eyes with a nude shimmer and applied mascara and a little bit of eyeliner on her top lids. Not needing foundation, she brushed some powder on her face and finished up with a light blush. Leaving her hair down and curly, she put a neutral lip-gloss on and then headed over to her closet. She pulled out a pair of designer jeans with rhinestones on the back pockets and a white v-neck t-shirt. Just as she was about to make a decision on shoes, her doorbell rang.
Panicking, she looked at her watch. It was already 3:50. She walked to the door, she knew who it was.
"You're early."
House shrugged. "I knew that you'd leave work early to get ready. So, ready?"
"I just need shoes."
House nodded as Cuddy opened the door wider to let him in. She walked ahead and left him to shut the door. It was then that he was able to appreciate how she looked and what she was wearing. She looked hot. Her jeans hugged her in all the right places and she looked incredibly sexy in her plain white t-shirt and minimal makeup. House didn't know how such an amazing woman could ever return his feelings. He knew he didn't deserve her - she was perfect. However, he decided that he wasn't going to question or over analyze. They didn't deserve that. He wanted this too badly to screw it up that easily. He quietly and unbeknownst to her, followed Cuddy into her bedroom where she had a hand on the frame of her closet door, leaning on it, looking into the closet trying to make a decision.
He stood at the door, just watching her. Her head tilted to the side, with her right leg behind her, digging her toes into the floor. She was deliberating, yes, but she was relaxed. She was Lisa. The Lisa that he wanted for the rest of his life. As he watched her, he smirked when he heard her let out a 'hmmph,' in frustration. Clearly she has too many shoes, he thought. Seemingly she made her choice, and as she bent down to pick them up, House crept up behind her. As she straightened herself to standing, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, placing his chin on her shoulder.
"You look beautiful," and with that, he kissed her on the temple before releasing her and heading back out to the living room.
Cuddy froze, her heart racing. What just happened? She smiled and let out a soft chuckle. She could get used to that. She wanted to get used to that.
"I bought tickets for this year, Cuddy. So we better get a move on it so we can grab a bite to eat before the concert! Come on!" House beckoned from the living room.
Cuddy shook her head, her smile still in tact. She slipped on her white Mary Jane flats, and a small clutch purse and made her way out to House. She stopped short looking at him. He looked delicious. The light blue tee set off his beautiful eyes, and showed off his muscular frame, hugging his biceps, broad shoulders, and strong chest. Cuddy subconsciously licked her lips. And then moved her gaze to survey his face. He shaved. Her smile grew wider. He put a lot of effort into tonight, and that fact gave her butterflies in her stomach. He looked divine. And then it hit her, as she remembered that he no longer needed his cane.
"Are you just going to stand there all night? Because, while I have absolutely no objections to spending a night inside with you, I feel the need to remind you that I have tickets for this concert I know you've been wanting to go to, and they're really good seats, and if we don't leave now, we'll never make it to the city."
He jerked his head in the direction of the door as he stepped out. Tonight is going to be great, Cuddy thought as she followed behind him.
Traffic was crazy, but not too bad, considering that it was only a Thursday night.
"So where are we going tonight?"
"I told you, we're going to grab a bite to eat and then head to the concert."
"What concert?"
"Cher."
Cuddy's eyes got huge, and her jaw dropped.
"I love her. I grew up listening to her! How did you know? Do you even like her?"
"Cuddy, I know you. I know that she is one of your favorites, and that you have been trying to get tickets, but were unsuccessful. And as far as me liking her… she's hot, so sure."
Cuddy glared at him.
"Okay, she is nothing compared to you."
"Better."
"I like some of her songs. She's a great entertainer, so I am actually looking forward to this. It'll just be like the old days. Us, together, going to concerts."
She couldn't help but smile. Cuddy was thrilled.
"I can't believe you got tickets! Where are we sitting?"
"You'll see when we get there. Don't take all the fun out of my surprise!"
"House," she pouted.
"You will get nothing from me, fun sucker!"
Cuddy rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but laugh.
"You also said we're going to get food?"
"Yep. How does Hard Rock sound?"
"Sounds great! Just like old times."
Both smiled and let silence take over, but it was a comfortable silence. Suddenly, it was like they were back at Michigan, Greg and Lisa.
After dinner, they drove to Madison Square Gardens, and Cuddy squealed as she saw the marquee CHER: The Farewell Tour.
House had a valet to park the car, and he took Cuddy's hand, interlacing their fingers and led her inside.
"Greg, I am so excited! Thank you," she said, squeezing his hand.
"Just wait til we get to our seats."
House pulled out the tickets and showed them to the usher who led them down the aisle. As they walked, Cuddy realized where they were sitting.
"No. No way! How did you-"
"I know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows the mob…"
Cuddy looked terrified. House laughed.
"Relax, Lisa. I have connections – that don't involve the mafia."
"You better not have connections to the mafia," she stated, looking around. "Front row, center! I can't believe this! She is going to be right here!" She turned to look at House, "Thank you," she hugged him.
It wasn't long before the concert started. House watched as Cuddy thoroughly enjoyed herself. She and him both danced as she "sang" along with Cher. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen Cuddy so happy and relaxed. He couldn't remember the last time he saw Lisa.
As Cher was winding down her show, she came out with After All. This was one of House's favorite songs. He thought that it fit him and Cuddy to a tee. As Cher began to sing the duet with her pianist, House took hold of Cuddy's hand and squeezed it.
Well here we are again
I guess it must be fate
We've tried it on our own
But deep inside we've known
We'd be back to set things straight
Cuddy looked at House and met his gaze. She gave a soft smile, and leaned into his side.
I still remember when
Your kiss was so brand new
Every memory repeats
Every step I take retreats
Every journey always
Brings me back to you
House rested his chin atop her head and wrapped his arms around her.
After All the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
And after all that we've been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be
Forever you and me
After all
When love is truly right
This time it's truly right
It lives from year to year
It changes as it grows
And oh the way it grows
But it never disappears
Always just beyond my touch
Though I needed you so much
After all what else is living for
As the song finished up, House uncharacteristically kissed Cuddy on the crown of her head, and she squeezed her arms around him. This was the Greg she had been missing and wanting. This was bliss.
As Cher moved on to her two finale numbers, House leaned down next to Cuddy's ear.
"I think that's our song."
Cuddy melted. She turned in his embrace and looked him in the eyes. She couldn't help it, she lifted herself up on her tiptoes and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
The concert finished and they both strolled to his car hand in hand in perfect, companionable silence. The drive back to Cuddy's went along the same way.
Walking Cuddy to her porch, House didn't know what to do. He suddenly felt like a teenager on his first date. Did he kiss her at the door? Or did he just say good night, and that they'd have to do it again? He knew what he wanted. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted her to invite him in and make their way to her bedroom. He wanted her to be his.
Approaching the door, Cuddy's mind was wondering the same as House's. Should she kiss him good night and say goodbye or should she invite him in and let whatever happens happen? She was nervous and excited. She was giddy. She was in love, no doubt.
They reached the door.
"Well, I had a great time, House, thank you," Cuddy managed, fumbling with her keys. She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to give her a toe-curling, mind numbing kiss.
"Yeah. Me too. I missed you, Lisa."
She smiled. Oh, what the hell. I'll just go for it. She stepped into him, sealing the space between them. Oh god. Maybe just a hug? What does he want? A kiss? At the last second, Cuddy decided on just a hug. They held that embrace for a moment, and when Cuddy went to release, House moved a hand to the side of her face and stroked her cheek with his thumb.
Slowly, he leaned down and placed a delicate kiss on her lips. Delicate, but so full of feeling. Cuddy reached her hand behind his head and deepened the kiss.
Parting only when the need for oxygen became immediate, they rested their foreheads against each other.
"Would you like to come in for some coffee or tea?"
House could only nod
They walked to the kitchen, where they both realized that they only truly desired water. After taking a couple sips from their glasses, Cuddy yawned.
"You're tired, I better get going," House cast his eyes to the floor and put a hand on the back of his neck.
"Would you wanna get breakfast tomorrow?"
For the hundredth time that night, Cuddy let out a huge smile.
"I'd like that."
"Alright," he began walking to the door. "See you at eight."
"So, you're going home for six and a half hours only to come back and pick me up for breakfast?"
"That sounds about right."
Cuddy stopped him at the door.
"Why don't you just stay? If I'm beat, than you must be dead tired."
"I don't know, Cuddy."
"Really, I insist. You're going to be coming back in a few hours, you might as well stay."
"I guess…" House didn't know what to say or what to do. Should he stay? She did have logic, he was going to return in a few hours, and so he might as well stay, right? No harm, no foul.
"I can sleep on the couch," he insisted.
Cuddy shrugged.
"Sure, if you want."
House nodded and followed her into the living room.
"I'll go put on my pj's, and then do you want to watch a movie?"
"Think you can handle it?"
"I don't know old man, is it past your bedtime?"
"Not if it isn't past yours."
"Touché! I'll be back," Cuddy left the room to change. House stripped into his boxers and kept his t-shirt on. Finding a pillow and a blanket, he made himself comfortable as he waited for Cuddy. A few minutes later, Cuddy rejoined him in a pair of sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt, with her hair pulled up in a messy bun. House smiled. He liked her like this best – so comfy, so relaxed.
"What are we watching?"
"How about Suspect? I haven't seen it in ages, and it's right here," Cuddy said picking up the movie with a grin.
"Sure, why not continue the Cher theme we have going on…"
"If you don't want t-"
"No, I want to. Come on," he patted the open space next to him on the couch. Placing the movie in the DVD player, Cuddy grabbed the remote and jumped on the couch.
Within the next hour, House had become her pillow, and Cuddy was sound asleep. Knowing that Cuddy needed a good night's sleep, House took pride in that fact that he could now carry her to bed. Turning off the TV and DVD player, House scooped Cuddy up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. She hummed in appreciation and snuggled into him. As he placed her in bed, she took hold of his wrist. He smirked. He had had full intentions of heading back to the couch, but Cuddy refused to let go. So House did the only thing he could – he climbed in bed beside her and covered them both up with the sheet and comforter.
A few seconds later, Cuddy rolled over and snuggled herself into House's side, her left arm around his waist and her head on his shoulder. He in turn, wrapped his arms around Cuddy, kissed her on the forehead and whispered, "You're beautiful," before drifting off to sleep himself. Cuddy heard him and smiled, hoping that this, that they, would last.
**I do not own the rights to House or anything Cher** SIGHS.
Thought that we could all use this ESPECIALLY after tonight's episode... :(
I can't believe that this happened. I am so disappointed now... House married? REALLY? ... and poor Cuddy. I wanted him to object when he saw her walking off... SIGH. What do you guys think?
Have you read my retweets of House Daily Dose? Well, if not, they think that this is all possibly a *dream/hallucination* sequence and we won't find out until the end of the season. If you read through it, it all makes since, and a hope that that is what it truly is! SIGH. You should definitely check it out and let me know what you think! ;)
Hope you like this chapter! R&R :D
