A/N: Hi sweeties. Okay when I was writing the other chapter I had a pretty good idea what to write for this chapter, but it seems that my muse took it in a slightly different direction, well the first part, the second part stayed mostly like I had envisioned it. Funny how that happens. Anyway I hope you like this.

Also I was realizing that this chapter might contain the longest elevator ride in history of elevator rides, but hey, let's just pretend that the mechanism was extra slow that day.

Also the fainting might be slightly cliché but no one writes a preggo fic without some drama, right?

Huge thanks to those who are reading, and ginormous thanks to my wonderfully awesome reviewers. I'm so glad you like it so far. I love your speculations and I really appreciate your thoughts on this. I feel like there are so many who write reviews that don't have an account, and I feel so bad for not being able to write you a comment back, but I definitely value everything you guys have to say, just so you know.

Now on with the story

"Summer, you're sister just got out of surgery. We were able to stop the bleeding."

"Oh Dr. Lovejoy. How can I ever repay you?"

"You have already given me so much Summer. But I will only ask for one thing."

"What is that?"

"Will you marry me?"

The blonde woman stared teary eyed at the tall man in the white coat. His dark hair was slickly combed back, and his brown Labrador eyes looked expectantly at her blue ones.

"I can't." She breathed out shakily.

"Why not Summer? I thought you loved me." He said dramatically.

"I do but…I'm pregnant."

"What?"

"You're not the father."

His eyebrows creased together in confusion.

"Who is? Tell me Summer who is the father?"

"Your brother, Sebastian."

"No! I will not believe it."

"It's true."

The dramatic underlying music maximized under the confused expression of the handsome man.

"House?"

House looked up from the computer screen, and regarded his best friend that stood before him with his hands on his hips, his eyebrows raised.

"Shh. Summer was just revealing to Dr. Lovejoy that she's pregnant with his brother´s child, what she doesn't know is that her sister Marisa is also pregnant with his child, but she's actually in love with Dr. Lovejoy and thinks that he is the father. Meanwhile Sabrina…"

"How can you watch this? An intelligent man like you can't possibly find such things entertaining." Wilson said exasperatedly. House only shrugged his shoulders and continued watching while swirling a piece of lollipop in his mouth.

"So what did you want?"

"Umm, well I was just checking…" Wilson mumbled.

House looked up from the computer screen at his best friend boringly.

"Cuddy's fine, I'm fine, everybody's fine."

"Good." Wilson nodded his head but didn't show any sign of moving.

"Are you sure?" He questioned unconvinced.

House looked up again annoyingly and slammed down the screen of his laptop.

"What do you really want Wilson?"

"I'm worried about Cuddy. Have you two spoken about what happened…you know?"

"No actually I don't know." House said incredulously.

"Oh you know…you don't know?" Wilson began to stutter awkwardly. House kept staring at him cluelessly, maybe too cluelessly because Wilson's face suddenly turned from awkward to frustrated.

"Oh common you know." He said aggravated.

"Yeah I know." He said simply.

"So you have…talked about it."

"Yeah…sort of. I mean we didn't have the chance she's been sick all weekend."

"Oh, that explains." Wilson muttered thoughtfully. "I saw her earlier and she looked like she was about to pass out."

House sighed. She really should have listened to him when he told her to stay home, but she was just as stubborn as he, and there was no talking her out of it. He couldn't quite get past the feeling of worry that was slowly upgrading. He wasn't joking when he told her that she looked awful.

But what was really frustrating was that her symptoms were dissolving from what appeared to be a simple flue into something else. Suddenly a thought occurred to him, a thought that his forever-rational mind couldn't ignore.

What if…

No it couldn't possibly be, there was no way. She was just sick, there was no other possibility. Well of course there were other possibilities but the most logical reason would be the sushi, well and the other option, which was of course implausible. There was no way that she was…

House shook his head, no he couldn't think of something like that right now. But he couldn't quite shake the uneasy feeling away. She did look horrible when she came to his office earlier, and it clearly hadn't escaped anyone's notice. Maybe he should check if she was okay, or was that a violation of one of Cuddy's rules?

When they had started dating Cuddy, the obsessively anal freak she was, had put together a list of rules neither of them were allowed to break. Of course the top ten appeared to involve no sex at work whatsoever, even though they had broken that rule several times. House almost grinned at the thought.

The other rules were that they should always appear professional. He wasn't allowed to go into her office unless it was related to work, and the same went for her. What she hadn't really taken in consideration was that most of the times he went into her office in the past had nothing to do with work.

But he had this nagging feeling that he should go and check on her. He could just walk past the clinic and sneak a peak into her office; he only had to find an excuse to walk past it.

"Hey Wilson wanna go get some late lunch?" His sudden question made Wilson jump up.

"Didn't you eat already?"

"Nope forgot." He said impassively and stood up from his office chair.

"Huh. That's unlike you."

"I've been busy."

Wilson shrugged his shoulders and followed him out of the office. They walked down the hallway and into the elevators.

"So…" Wilson said in attempt to break the silence that had settled between them.

"What's up with you?"

"Spit it out Wilson. What is it?"

"Wha…what are you talking about?" Wilson sputtered out.

"Common don't act stupid, you've been dying to say something since you came to my office now say it or I'll have to knock the truth out of you."

Wilson looked shamefully down, and sighed heavily.

"Actually I've been trying to give you the opportunity to tell me. I thought that I was your best friend, and I have to hear it from Chase of all people." He sounded really hurt.

"What the hell are you talking about?" House said incredulously, this time for real.

"House I know, everyone knows, it's been going like wildfire around the hospital."

"Exactly what have people been saying?"

"That you and Cuddy are having a baby. I know that you wouldn't want to spoil it, but it's really far fetched to tell your best friend that the test was negative when it wasn't."

"Funny cause the last time I knew it was." House spat out angrily.

"But…you've been acting all odd, and Foreman said that you were actually cuddling in your office. You…cuddling. I mean you don't…cuddle."

House couldn't help but let out a barking laugh.

"Oh you sorry son of a bitch. I told you that she was sick, and I was actually comforting her."

"Well it could have been morning sickness."

House's smile faded from his lips. Wilson's last words echoed through his mind, mirroring his former suspicions, but he ignored it again. The test was negative.

He managed to conjure up a witty smile.

"If all of the rumors in this hospital were true, you and me would have eloped, I would be having a secret love child with Cameron, while getting married to Cuddy in Vegas. Wow, we should totally write our own soap." House mused.

"Besides I really thought that you were smarter than to believe the rumors that are spreading through the hospital."

"But it wasn't just the rumors. You two have been acting strangely." He said defensively.

"Well that may be because we actually thought that we were going to have a kid." His voice was bitter, and he cringed inwardly at the thought of revealing his pain to anyone. Wilson seemed taken aback and looked actually ashamed.

"I'm sorry House. I know it's been hard…I just really thought that it was true. I'm sorry, I won't mention it again."

"Just…forget it."

Silence fell over them. Both of them were thinking about something to say, but neither of them could think of anything. The cling of the elevator erupted and the elevator door opened.

They walked into the busy lobby, which was as usual loud and crowded.

"So, monster truck marathon tomorrow?" House offered casually.

"Yeah." Wilson muttered and together they walked towards the cafeteria.

House tried to limp more slowly so he could peak into the clinic to see whether he could see Cuddy. First he merely saw a bunch of nurses by the nurse station, but then he spotted her standing with her hands on her hips seemingly angry. The person she was talking to had his back turned to him, but he couldn't recognize who it was.

"Hey Wilson."

Wilson who was several steps ahead of him stopped and looked at him quizzically.

"Do you know who Cuddy's talking to?" he pointed his cane into the man's direction. Wilson turned his head in the direction and nodded his head.

"Yes this is Dr. Karl Saunders, he's a knew doctor here."

They watched Cuddy turn around and the doctor follow her inside.

"Wow she seemed furious. I'm not surprised, I've heard that he's nothing but trouble."

"Really?" That information piqued his interest.

"Yes he insults patients and he almost messed up Hourani's surgery the other day. People have been complaining about his work since day one."

"Why was he hired in the first place?" House muttered while walking closer to the clinic to get a better view into Cuddy's office.

"His uncle is on the hospital board and he was first in his class in Harvard."

"So? The man's clearly an idiot."

"Try to say that to the board. His uncle is C.J. Krauss; last year he donated million dollars to the hospital. They're not firing him anytime soon."

House was barely listening. His focus was on the doctor that had just walked out of the office, his anger wasn't hard to notice. House frowned and turned to Wilson.

"I think I'm going to check on Cuddy." House muttered and entered into the clinic with Wilson close behind him. He was few feet away from her office, and he had a clear view into the office.

He could hear the alarm bells immediately in his head when he saw her through the glass windows. Her body leaned against the desk, her hands gripping shakily on the desk for support. Her face was pale and her eyes were distant.

His legs moved faster, but it still felt like eternity until his hand reached the doorknob, but he was already too late.

Her feet crumbled under her and her body fell on the floor. He threw the door open and ran towards her body. He could feel panic grip his chest and he could hear himself call out her name. In what felt like eternity he finally reached her and crouched down beside her. His fingers fumbled immediately for her pulse that hammered faintly against his fingertips. He touched her clammy forehead and turned her face towards him.

"Cuddy." His voice was slightly shaky but he didn't mind.

"Cuddy, can you hear me?"

"Oh my God is she all right?" He heard someone behind him say, but didn't turn around to see who it was.

"Cuddy." He said again, this time she seemed to respond. Her eyelids twitched and she slowly opened her eyes before shutting them tightly shut.

"House." He heard her mutter faintly.

"I'm here. Do you feel any back, chest or abdominal pain?" He questioned urgently.

She shook her head. At least this wasn't a cardiac, or neurological problem, although he wasn't going to disregard that just yet.

He turned around and noticed the group of doctors and nurses that had gathered in front of the office.

"Can someone bring me water and salt, now." He barked out.

"And the rest of you go do your freaking job, there's nothing to see here."

He turned again to Cuddy who seemed to be gaining more consciousness.

"What happened?" She asked through dry lips.

"You passed out. Hey don't move." He ordered when she made an attempt to sit up. She lay her head back down on the carpet.

"How are you feeling?"

"Horrible." She muttered, and closed her eyes. "I should have listened to you."

"Yeah you should have." He muttered sharply.

"Dr. House." He turned around and met the very concerned Nurse Regina handed him a glass of water and a saltshaker from the cafeteria.

"Thanks." He muttered and placed his hand under Cuddy's head for support.

She sipped on the water but coughed immediately.

"Drink up or I'll have to give you intravenous." He stated and held the glass up against her lips.

"Can I at least sit up?"

"Not for the next ten minutes, you know the drill."

She sighed and managed, with his help, to finish the glass of water. After about ten minutes he helped her slowly up.

"Okay, now sit with your legs against your stomach and lean your head between your legs, and breathe slowly in and out." He informed her. She did as he said. He patted his hand against her back smoothly.

"I'm going to get another glass of water for you. Don't get up."

She nodded her head and continued to breath like he told her to. He stood up slowly, and ignored the protest from his leg. He limped into the bathroom and returned quickly with a glass of water. He watched her finish the glass.

"Okay, now I'm going to help you to stand up slowly, don't be hasty."

She nodded and together, hand in hand, he helped her up. She clung to him for support, her face paling slightly but she managed to hold her balance.

He managed to help her to the white couch in the corner of the office. She leaned back into the leather and exhaled. He squeezed her hand, which she hadn't yet let go.

"What happened exactly?"

"I really don't know. I was talking to Dr. Saunders."

"Did he do something?" He muttered darkly.

"No, no. Not to me anyway, although he almost killed an old woman. I was talking to him and he had just left when I started to feel dizzy, the next thing I remember is waking up on the floor."

"Have you been feeling dizzy all day?"

Cuddy bit her lip and nodded her head admittedly.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought that it was nothing. This day has been hell and all I wanted was to go home and lie down, but I couldn't. I've been interviewing a donor all morning, and when I finally got to my office I heard the news that my newest employee almost killed a patient and…" She stopped and sighed despairingly.

"You should have listened to me." He muttered frustratingly.

"I know. I'm sorry." She caressed his cheek and leaned in for a kiss. Their lips met briefly, when they were interrupted by the sound of the office door opening.

"Oh I'm sorry." Wilson raised his hands in the air and started to back out.

"No it's fine." Cuddy said.

"I was just going to check how you're holding up."

"I'm fine." Cuddy assured him.

"Excellent…erm. House can I talk to you for a moment?"

House raised his eyebrows but obliged and stood up from the couch and followed Wilson out of the office.

"What?"

"Okay, don't be mad, but I think you should know that the hospital is going crazy. Everyone knows what happened, and everyone…"

"Wilson I really don't care what people think. People are genuine morons and they can think what they want." He started to turn around when he felt Wilson's hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"You don't understand. I know you don't care, but now when the board thinks that she's pregnant they might use that as an excuse to get rid of her."

"And why would they do that?"

"Apparently Dr. Saunders complained to the board that she was threatening him. I know that they wont fire her just because of that, but I wouldn't underestimate them."

"That slimy little git. Where is he?" He snapped and looked around as if he were just around the corner. Wilson placed his arm on his hand in sign for him to calm down.

"House, don't. I think you should just let Cuddy clear it with the board."

"Yeah, and just allow that moron to get away with it. I don't think so."

"No! House, you'll only make things worse."

"Fine." He huffed. "Where do you hear this stuff anyway?" House muttered.

"I have my sources."

"Humph."

"What? Unlike you I actually attend staff meetings, and gain contact with other people, you should try it someday."

"Uh-huh. I don't think so." He mumbled and marched into Cuddy's office.

"Hey munchkin." He greeted her with a sugar-coated voice. "We have a tiny problem."

"I don't think it's a good idea to tell her right now." Wilson whispered hastily.

"Tell me what?" Cuddy said concernedly.

"Umm, it seems that everyone thinks that you're pregnant. And our slippery little friend Saunders has complained to the board."

"That son of a b-"

"Abbababb, there are children here." He stage whispered and yanked his head in Wilson's direction who didn't look slightly amused.

"I need to talk to them now." She began to stand up but barely managed to hold her balance.

"Yeah no." House contradicted. "You're going straight to bed. You can talk to those stuck up morons tomorrow."

"But I can't just go home. I have tons of work to do, and…"

"Out of the question. I'm not listening to your crap again. From now on you'll stay home when I say so."

House started to grab her arm under her protests.

"Cuddy, House is right. Just go home. I'll cancel your meetings this afternoon."

"But…"

"Not buts missy. I don't care whether I'll have to carry you out kicking and screaming but you're going home to bed." He started to drag her towards the doors.

"Fine, fine, but will you please let go of my arm and allow me to get my stuff?"

House released her hand and watched her pack her laptop and other minor stuff into her briefcase.

"You'll make sure that all my appointments are cancelled, and rebooked, okay?"

"You have my word." Wilson promised.

Cuddy sighed and closed her eyes briefly. House grabbed her hand and drew her closer to him.

"This is killing you isn't it?"

Cuddy opened her eyes and grimaced disdainfully.

"No." She said unconvincingly. He smirked, and together they walked out of her office.

"See you later Wilson." House yelled behind them.

They barely made it out of the clinic before an army of co-workers attacked them with their queries.

"Dr. Cuddy are you all right?" A nearby nurse questioned.

"Is it true that you're pregnant?"

"Congratulations you two!" Someone squealed behind them.

Cuddy gripped his shirt tightly, and he could see her face pallor considerably.

"Okay, okay! Now everyone just stop!" House shouted.

"Dr. Cuddy isn't feeling well, and no she isn't pregnant so stop with your fucking nonsense and go back to work."

Silence fell over the group; some backed away and muttered their apologies. Some stared at them wide eyed and smiled awkwardly. Soon they were alone, and he heard her sigh beside him.

"What is up with people?" he muttered angrily.

They walked up to the car and drove silently to Cuddy's house.

House didn't say anything and stared grimly at the road ahead. Cuddy rested her head against the window, her eyes stayed closed.

"You know they're just a bunch of morons." He insisted angrily.

She didn't say anything, and kept her eyes glued shut. He took it as a sign that she didn't want to talk and remained silent for the rest of the ride home.

He drove up the drive way and shut down the engine. Cuddy didn't show any sign of moving, and he was starting to think that she had fallen asleep when she muttered.

"What is wrong with me House?"

The question caught him off guard. He frowned and opened his mouth to ask what she was talking about when she turned her head in his direction. Her eyes glistened with tears.

"Why does it always have to be me? What is wrong with me?"

"There's nothing wrong with you." He started but was silenced when she hit the dashboard angrily.

"Don't say that nothing's the matter with me House. I feel horrible. Just tell me what is wrong with me." She wailed and buried her head in her hands.

"Cuddy look at me." He told her firmly. She didn't look up so he said again.

"Look at me."

Finally she looked up.

"I'm telling you that there's nothing the matter with you. You went to see the doctor and there's nothing that indicates that something's wrong with you. It was just not your time, but it will come." She leaned against him and he took her in his secure embrace.

He knew that Cuddy was a great mom, and he meant whole-heartedly what he said, but he wasn't quite sure whether he was the right man to pursue those dreams with. Even though he had toyed with the idea before, he wasn't quite sure whether he would ever be ready to have a kid. But that was a concern he didn't have to think about at the moment. Now he had to think about Cuddy, even though he had never really been good at taking care of people, especially Cuddy.

"Cuddy, let's just go inside. You're tired; you barely slept last night."

She nodded her head and together they went into the house. The first thing they heard was Rachel's happy cry.

"Mommy."

A warm smile spread on Cuddy's lips when her two year old came running towards them. Marina walked slowly behind them, drying her hand on a towel.

"I thought you wouldn't be home yet."

"Cuddy's sick, so I forced her back home."

"Ah I see. Don't you have to work too Dr. House?"

"No patient." House said simply.

"Howse." Rachel squealed.

"Hi Rachel. Now you have to be good, mommy needs to get some sleep."

Rachel nodded her head seriously and skipped back to Marina.

"I'll stay here with her till five." Marina offered.

"Oh could you do that?" Cuddy questioned.

"Of course." Marina smiled and took the little girl's hand and followed her into the living room.

"Let's get you to bed." House grabbed Cuddy's hand and walked her into her bedroom. She was quick to strip into his old tee shirt, and jump into bed.

"Will you stay with me?" She asked almost childishly.

"Yeah I'll be right there." He said and headed into the bathroom.

He closed the door and stared at the mirror tiredly. He had dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep, and he couldn't quite seem to shake the worrisome wrinkles on his face. He exhaled and turned on the water, and splashed it on his face. He reached for his towel to dry off his face when he noticed the trashcan, and remembered his and Cuddy's conversation that morning. He decided that he could be nice just this once and take the trash out for her.

He grabbed the plastic ends and lifted the bag from the trash. He was about to tie a knot when he got a glimpse of something white and long. He paused and frowned. He could have sworn that they had thrown the stick in the kitchen trash. He opened the bag to get a better look and almost dropped the bag when he saw the sign on the end of the stick. His heart hammered in his chest when he dove his hand into the trash to retrieve the plastic stick. He picked it up in awe and stared at the light pink plus sign. It couldn't be.