Once he had gotten home, House called Cuddy to let her in on the situation.

"You can't be serious."

"Actually I can and actually I am. Look, you've got to do something Robertson is going to destroy the hospital."

"What would you have me do? In case you haven't noticed, I am no longer the dean of medicine meaning, I have no say over what is done at Princeton Plainsboro."

Unfortunately, House's leg had been acting up again causing him to squeeze his thigh in agony while silence hung on the line.

"House? You there? (Sigh) Its your leg again isn't it?"

"No, my leg is fine I was just dreaming about the old days when…"

"When things were what? Normal?"

"Yeah. Or as normal as things could get around here without someone getting bored."

There was a pause as both parties thought back to a different time and a different place when there was order in the universe and things made sense.

"So…"

"So…"

"How are the twins? And no, for once I'm not referring to your breasts."

"The twins are fine and the girls aren't bad either."

Shaking his head at this comment, House smirked to himself while looking up at the clock conveniently located over on the stove.

"Want to come over for dinner?"

This question threw Cuddy off the guard as she cleared her throat and tried maintain composure while straightening up to full height.

"Why Doctor House are you asking me out?"

"Maybe. Consider it a date between friends."

Or Maybe more. "Okay, you've got a deal. I'll be over at seven."

"What about the twins?"

"I can find a sitter."

"No, I've got a better idea. How bout I bring you dinner?"

Once again the line went dead but, this time it was Cuddy who was rendered speechless.

"You…you'd do that for me?"

"Why not? Besides, you happen to be speaking to a master chef."

"House, stealing Wilson's food and claiming it as your own does make you a…"

"Trust me."

Later that evening, Cuddy opened the front door only to find House standing in the doorway holding a Tupperware container and a bouquet of long stemmed red roses. Lisa couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked but it was the last thing she would admit to anyone but herself.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"Would you like to come in?"

Arching an eye brow at this comment, House couldn't help but smirk at the irony. No matter how many times he tried to deny it, Cuddy appeared to be the perfect picture of motherhood, she was positively glowing from head to toe.

"Thanks, (pause) I hope you like spaghetti."

"Love it."

"Nice place you got here."

This wasn't right. There was something about House being nice to her that Cuddy found odd. Where was the man who used to barge into her office at all hours of the day demanding this and demanding that? What was the sarcasm? Where was the wit? Where was House?

"Stop it House."

"Stop what?"

"Being nice, its creepy."

"How else would you like me to act?"

"Sarcastic, abrasive, the way you usually act."

At this comment, House crossed his arms and arched an eye brow while thinking the scenario over in his mind. Then, after several moments a startling realization came to him as the diagnostician shook his head.

" Sorry boss lady, no can do. I've turned over a new leaf."

"Oh really."

"Yes."

Shrugging to herself, Cuddy walked over to the kitchen while House snuck a peak at her from behind.

"By the way, I've been meaning to tell you how nice your ass has been looking lately. I can tell motherhood has done nothing to ruin your figure."

At this comment, Cuddy arched an eye brow while shaking her head in disbelief.

"Smooth House, real smooth."

"Thank you, I try my best."

As the two ate their dinner Cuddy couldn't help but pick up on a few subtle changes in House's demeanor. True, he looked the same but still their was something in the way he presented himself that suggested…something was missing.

"So, what are you going to do about work?"

At this question House shrugged while continuing to eat his meal. The diagnostician had no desire to talk about it but he could see Cuddy did and unfortunately, House had grown accustomed to doing anything she wanted. Even if it left him feeling vulnerable and exposed.

"You tell me."

"(Sigh) I already told you. There's nothing I can do. Robertson is in charge now and its his call."

"But, you're the one who hired him."

The sound of a baby crying brought both people out of their thoughts with a start.

"That's Sarah."

"You stay here, I'll check on her."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

As she watched him limp down the hall, Cuddy realized just how much time had changed House and their relationship.

Opening the door to the babies room, House made his way over to the crib and peered inside. There was little Sarah, wiggling and wide awake crying to be held and rocked. As he stood there, rocking the baby girl back and forth House found himself at a loss for words.

"She does love you."

The sound of Cuddy's voice startled House slightly as he watched her enter the room.

He had played this scene out in his mind over and over but this was more then he could handle.

"I know she does."

"House…"

"Lisa…"

As they stared into each other's eyes, it was almost as if time stood still. As though every argument, every sarcastic remark every problem they had had melted away into nothingness, leaving only now.

(Uh oh, cliff hanger. Thank you all for reviewing and there will be more to come soon. As always, ideas for upcoming chapters are appreciated. Stay tuned.)