Where've you all gone?? Eyes gazing out into the distance, you've all left me:( I only got half my normal reviews…very sad!!! Please come back!! I love knowing what you think, I'm sorry the updating is so slow I'm trying to write and do uni work at the same time but I am dedicating this weekend to write as much as I can and will try my hardest to update more often! It's not like I'm getting much sleep sigh my neighbor's keeping me awake so I will use those extra hours to write more lol! I hope you like this chapter it's a bit lighter than my last.

Here you go mixy/prinnie as promised it was up today lol…I hope to see more of yours soon:)

As for the people that did review…thank you so much!

Reviewers:-

luv2luv-Hugh: Awww blushes I'm pleased Cuddy's emotions came across so well!! Lol no, no don't eat House up…no fair then I can't have him after…stick to the chocolate pudding and licking it off him……:p much more fun (ongoing joke 2 people who don't get this…no I'm not weird…well not that weird:D)

Eleanor J.: lol...Sorry me and my English words, generally its ok but some words just slip people up…it's the same when I'm reading US fics…I have to remember pants is not underwear…otherwise it can sound really funny :D! I loved the emotion in that part, I wanted it to be strong, powerful emotion because they had been through so much. I'm pleased it came over so well and House crying made my heart break when I wrote it...I felt so sorry for him :(

swiglo3000: Artistic license…lol the best license around and its free with no age limit fantastic and I don't get any points on it for speeding!! Yeah I felt Cuddy needed to let some of her emotions out rather than bottling it up or crying, I felt that anger fitted, some people do deal with overflowing emotions in this way, I know I do.

prinnie: OMG! A Stella tantrum…everybody run and hide!!!!! Lol! Here's your update you've been patiently waiting for! A lot of my writing is around small little movements, it's what I used to bring the characters alive. I love writing them! I also really enjoyed writing this chapter, the emotion was fun to write and work with and it was good to build the House/Cuddy bond!!

I agree they so love each other…but you will just have to wait and see what happens between them…there's hell of a rollercoaster ride to come yet!

Tobylove: you should know the way I write by now, drawing it out to the end, keeping you on the edge, me and my teasing little ways lol! House kissing Cuddy…you will just have to wait and see! I'm pleased the banters back too, its fun to write!

HouseAddiction: don't worry I'm pleased you were able to read and thank you for reviewing when you were able too. I am so happy that part had so much emotion and it came across, I was hoping it would be a powerful scene and by the looks of things people thought it was YAY!!

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A Whisper in the Wind

The car was rumbling around them as they drove to her House in silence. Her eyes were glazed, staring out the window as the world rushed by. She was still and unblinking, her hair tied into a tight bun, still wet from the shower.

His eyes flickered from the road over to her, only able to tear his eyes away for the briefest of seconds. His eyes came to rest on the back of her neck, the bare patch of skin; water trickling down like tear drops, vanishing inside the top of her sweat-shirt, continuing their journey down her spine causing her to shiver.

He watched her shake for a moment as the coolness tickled her senses, wishing to warm her up with his hands, warm her from the inside as well as out, leaking his own heat into her heart. The sting from the thought was hard and harsh knowing this would never happen. He sighed returning his eyes to the road, settling for another way to warm her, 'Are you cold? Do you want me to turn the heating up?'

He would have done it anyway but his need to smash through the silence was overwhelming, he didn't want to let her thoughts wander, or his own.

Her head turned slowly, her eyes slowly parting from the scene before her and coming to rest on him, the haze that had covered them clearing, her crystal blues twinkling as a smile flickered onto her lips. She nodded, 'yes please.'

The heat increased, his eyes never leaving the road, her eyes never leaving him. He could feel her stare boring holes into him, as though trying to read his mind. He hoped she couldn't, his feelings building for her each day, every smile; every touch, setting his senses on fire only to be doused with despair when the truth washed his way. He knew in his head, in his heart, that he would never be able to cover her soft lips with his own and kiss the pain away…didn't stop him thinking about it though.

Her eyes had left him, watching as her House appeared in the distance getting closer every minute. He pulled up outside, the noise of the engine dying as he pulled the key free and swung the door open.

The chill air stung their skin as they stepped out on to the road. His stare was focused on Cuddy, watching her standing there, hair whipping round in the breeze, skin shimmering in the dieing sun giving her an almost calm and surreal quality as though she would vanish beneath his finger tips, only a figment of his imagination.

He tore his eyes away, lifting them to the sky, the blue gradually darkening, slashed with red streaks, clouds tinted with gold as the fiery orb vanished behind them.

Her House was dark and bleak, its own windows reflecting her own; its life had left it. Only the reflection of the last rays of light glinting in the windows gave it any sense of life, it made them shimmer with hope.

She was still, just staring; he halted for a second before placing his hand at the bottom of her spine. The slight nudge forced her out of her haze, momentum pushing her forward, making her move, House still keeping her going, his constant helping hand, always behind her every step of the way.

She was walking forward, speed increasing with every step as she approached her door, keys jingling between her finger tips. The lock clicked with ease, door swinging open, the sent of her home wafting out, stinging House's senses as he was so close behind her. His hand was still inches away, reluctant to leave. With the briefest smile over her shoulder, she stepped into her home, House following closely behind.

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Her finger swept over the thin coating of dust, leaving a light trail. Silently she padded along the hallway, gazing round the four walls as she made her way to her room; House still following. He halted when they arrived at her room, remaining outside the door, listening to the rustling inside. She sighed, 'you can come in you know.'

His head popped round the door, eyes scanning the room before coming to rest on her, crouched over her drawer rummaging around in her clothes. Her voice was muffled, head face down, 'it's not like you haven't been in here before and I'm sure you looked through this particular drawer.' Her eyes lifted to face him, a little smirk playing on her lips, he couldn't believe it but she was making him blush, House was feeling embarrassed by his antics, the fact that he had raided her privacy.

'I'm sorry about that,' it came out harsh and gruff a rumble in the back of his throat. Her head snapped to the side, a frown firmly in place, 'what did you just say?'

His baby blues were staring at the ground refusing to meet her gaze; the obvious shock that those words could even leave his lips just left him feeling worse. 'I'm sorry.' It was clearer this time and his eyes flicked to her for a second, head still bowed, shameful and embarrassed. She was smiling.

The carpet shuffled beneath her feet as she wandered over, hips swaying lightly. Her finger slid beneath his jaw lifting his head to face her, eyes shimmering with curiosity. 'You're feeling guilty.' It wasn't a question, it was a statement. She only ever seen this look once before and it would stay with her forever.

Her hand brushed over his head, 'hmm, no fever.' House frowned, his shoulders slumping as she proceeded to joke. He was grateful, her jokes eased the situation, relaxing the tension and allowing his comment to mean something without making a mountain out of it. Cuddy knew him to well, he couldn't handle it if too much was made of his apology and he would ruin it within minutes.

He froze; skin still tingling from where her fingers had left him, watching as her head lowered to his chest. The closer she got the more it pounded to the point where he believed she could hear it without leaning in. Her finger tips were splayed over his torso, her ear coming to rest over his heartbeat. She jolted up, eyes wide with shock, 'you do have a heart!' her face broke into a grin, nudging him gently, 'I always knew it, but now I have proof.'

He allowed a small smile, contrasting against the frown on his forehead, 'you'd better not spread it around, you'll ruin my rep.'

'No one would believe me if I did,' She turned back to what she was doing, flinging piles of clothes on her bed. 'Now help me pack.'

'Are you sure you don't want to stay here?' He felt he needed to ask her one more time, desperate to have her stay and yet not trusting himself if she did. Having her in his home was putting his heart through more torture than it could withstand but he wanted her near, if it was his choice he'd never let go.

All trace of happiness fled, fear rushing into her eyes, he simultaneously hated and loved that expression. Hated the fact that she now feared being alone, the strong independent woman now needing someone by her side. Happy because that someone was him, she wanted him to help her.

'Do you want me to?' her voice was high, panicky. Eyes searching his as though trying to draw the answer out sooner, desperate to know if she would be staying on her own, without him to hold her.

'No,' he shook his head, he wanted her, she wanted him, for different reasons, but that was irrelevant.

She couldn't believe the relief that coursed through her body at such a simple word. The thought of spending the night alone was unbearable. She needed him to help her, his arms holding the fear at bay when her own were too weak, wrapping them around her so she could bury her face in his chest, block out the light, the tears and the memories that flowed with them.

There was another reason, which she chose to ignore, her head so messed up that her heart was confused. Her skin would tingle beneath his touch, hairs standing on edge, electrified, shivers shooting down her spine. In the car, his penetrating stare, she knew he was watching her, but she didn't know why. She'd shivered; those crystal blue eyes were enough to cool anyone to the core. Hot and cold at the same time, her whole system was a mess.

Confused, that was it, there was nothing there really. This was House, angry, aggressive, snarky and harsh. The problem was the normally rude and obnoxious doctor had a softer side, one which was breaking down her barriers faster than a sledge hammer, hitting straight through making her heart beat again.

Her heart wanted him, no matter how hard she tried to ignore it, the curve of his shoulders, his lean body, feeling the muscles ripple beneath her fingertips when she got too close. However her head told her otherwise, shooting conflicting messages, shouting louder than her heart ever could so it was drowned out by the sensations her mind inflicted.

Her skin still crawled at the thought of being touched. But as his fingertips trailed over more inches of her body each day, lulling her to sleep, comforting her, stroking her head, her back, her cheek, the fear stung a little less.

He was healing her, slowly, House was the remedy she needed, and right now his friendship was enough. Their relationship was rare, and she wouldn't, couldn't ruin it; not when she was so confused, when he was so open, exposed and caring.

She wouldn't play with him no matter how much her heart wanted to because her head had won, if she was honest it always did.

She'd wanted him before this, but her head said no and she listened, ignoring the constant beat of her heart when he came too near, eyes ablaze in an argument, pleading, penetrating. He had entered her heart and now she'd entered his home, problem was she didn't ever want to leave.

Her eyes returned to his. He was watching her, reading her, but he could never know how she felt, not now, not ever. He was helping her because she needed him, she was hurt and he was decent, the kind and care hidden beneath his own layers of pain. She allowed a small smile, tearing her eyes from his own, unwilling to allow him deeper into her thoughts in fear of being discovered.

He didn't want her, his boss, clinging to him for the wrong reasons and she didn't want to get hurt, at least no more than she was now, the pain of rejection from him would be harder and harsher than ever, more so than her memories. The final blow, extinguishing her last lingering spark.

She could still feel his eyes on her, burning into her back. She refused to turn, unwilling to look at him; her emotions too raw would be layered before him glistening in the windows to her sole. Breathing in deep, using her last ounce of strength to blow the emotions to the back of her mind, 'come on House, start packing,' voice light, empty of all emotion. It's what made her good at her job, the art of distraction, a wall of blank shielding her from the world. Her walls were returning and she was hoping House couldn't see through them.

She sensed him pause, knowing there were words he wanted to say, but he left them unspoken and turned towards her bed.

She watched him in the corner of her eye, folding her clothes with care and placing them in the case, a little glow emanating from her heart at the little gesture that meant so much.

She abandoned the draw, clicking it shut before turning and padding into the bathroom.

Her toiletries were spread out before her, ears picking up rustles and bangs from her bedroom, curiosity flaring up as she wondered what House was up to. The question was quickly answered as a long, hairy leg was reflected in the mirror, a pink stiletto balancing on the end of his toe.

His head popped round the door moments after 'what do you think, not sure if there my colour?' she saw his shoulders shrug before he vanished once more. The shock slowly faded; the wide eyed expression moulding into one of amusement. She shook her head to the side, brushing all the cosmetics into her bag before darting back into her bedroom.

House was sat on the edge of her bed, items of her clothing strew around him, causing her to roll her eyes; he could never resist snooping. 'House what are you doing?'

His gaze fell to the floor, hers quickly following. His feet were still squeezed into her shoes, her feet being half his size meant that his attempt to get his whole foot in had failed, it probably wasn't helped by the fact he still had his socks on.

Her eyes darted to him once more, eyebrows curved and questioning, 'House, why are you wearing my shoes?'

'Um,' he looked sheepish, 'seeing whether the colour went.'

Her head tilted to the side, eyes never leaving his own, 'colour went with what?'

'This dress,' He lifted the outfit into his fingertips, face holding the expression she knew only too well, he'd looked the same when he'd stolen her password. The whole I know I shouldn't have done it but I'm going to do it anyway and wait for your reaction. The little grimace on his face was always cute and she held back as a smile as his eyes kept flicking towards her.

She forced her lips into tight line, adding a frown in for good measure, 'House why have you been raiding my wardrobe?'

His shoulders were hunched in defence still waiting for the outburst from her which she knew would never come. 'I thought it would look good tonight.'

'Well blue is certainly your colour, but it might be a bit tight in places. It'll make your bum look big.'

He gasped in mock outrage,

'Besides you haven't got the boobs to fill it out.' She nudged her head towards his chest, still fighting her grin.

'No,' his eyebrows jiggled, 'but you have.'

She frowned, she was missing something, 'why would I be wearing it?' he mind starting racing over the conversation, 'wait a sec! What is happening tonight?' This was it, what he was afraid of, he was up to something and knew she wouldn't like it, she never did.

His eyes swung skyward before flying down once again to gage her reaction, 'we're going out to dinner.'

She crossed her arms over her chest, jaw jutting out; 'I don't remember agreeing to that.'

'Surprise!' a fake grin breaking out over his face.

'House, I can't go!'

'Well that's just unfair waving this underneath a man's nose and then never letting him see you in the wrapping, although ripping the wrapping off is much more fun don't you think?'

He was nervous, sarcastic barbs were coming off him hard and fast, he needed to make it a game but she couldn't let him win, there was no way she was going out, not looking like she did. 'House I didn't wave it in front of you; you got it out, your own fault, your punishment.'

He pouted, 'no fair.'

'Alls fair in love and war.' Her eyes shot open in realisation at what she'd said, her head whipping away from him.

He'd stopped talking, stopped teasing, just watching her like he always did, eyes boring into her sole.

The sentence wouldn't have mattered if it hadn't meant something.

That, that emotion, or something similar, wasn't currently the one raging through her, causing her the most confusion of all.

'Why don't you want to go Cuddy?' soft and lulling, his voice no longer playful, he was ignoring what she'd said, avoidance the only way he knew and it worked well for both of them, unspoken, unquestioned but not unheard; now just a whisper in the wind.

Her shoes fell from his feet as he rose, limping over to her. 'Come on why don't you want to go?'

She returned his gaze, her eyes stinging as the tingles of fear at what he wanted to do crashed over her but she refused to cry, 'Look at me, I'm covered in cuts and bruises, what would people think, what would they say?'

'It doesn't matter, who cares what they think?'

'I do' he head fell to face the floor, defeated, she didn't want people to see her like this, she still felt dirty and didn't wish to be stared at, their looks of pity or disgust only serving to make her feel worse.

'Come on Cuddy, you can't hide forever and I'll be there to hold your hand.' He allowed a weak smile, tentative, wary of how she'd react. She very rarely saw him as nervous as he was now and it made her braver. He was facing a fear, opening up, making himself vulnerable to her by not using his verbal sparing to deflect the moment, maybe it was time for her to face her own.

'Ok, but I get to pick the shoes,' he looked up relieved that she'd agreed, fighting back the happiness that threatened to bloom over his face. Had to remain gruff at all times, but she could still see the sparkle behind his eyes. She was seeing it more often now, and nowadays the shine was for her and no one else.

He smirked, 'not impressed by my taste and style then?'

'No, you stick to the trainers I'll stick to the stilettos, deal? Although if we waxed your legs they would look amazing.' She was smiling now, watching as House's face fell.

'No waxing and we have a deal.'

She giggled, 'ok, deal.'

She paused for a second, her laughter dying down fast, 'What about Wilson?' She wasn't sure she was ready for other people she knew to see her. So far House had been deflecting the many questions. Inquisitive people who were too curious for there own good. They were all wondering where the Dean and Head Diagnostician had gone.

He had been managing to make there absence seem unrelated, even to Wilson, which amazed her. She liked things the way they were, but knew in the bottom of her heart she had to return to work and face the rumours. She was dreading it, not because of what people thought had happened, hell they'd been thinking things for years, it was the fact that she now wished the rumours were true, so trying to deny them was going to be so much harder.

The worst of it all was on the day of her return she was going to have to relive her nightmare to the hospital, explain the truth of her absence to the board and that was one tale she didn't want to tell.

House frowned, 'what about him?'

'Isn't he coming?'

'Nope, just you and me; a friendly dinner between friends,' he winked, knowing she couldn't face other people. Besides he wanted to keep her to himself for a little while longer, he was never into sharing and the fact that she relied solely on him at the moment was the way he liked it.

He gathered her bags, 'Right you got everything?'

Her eyes scanned the room once more, the four walls so cold and bare compared to his home. He filled it with life and in comparison her own House felt empty. 'Yeah, I've got everything.'

She took some of the bags from him, not wishing to see him struggle; he looked like he wanted to protest but relented. 'Right, let's go.' They both stepped out of her door, locking it quickly behind her before strolling down the path to the car. House, as always, following closely behind.

TBC

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Please review!! begging I really would like to know what you think because I'm still not certain this is coming out right. It is very hard to write and keep them in character…do you think I'm doing a good job or not?