Flooded- Ch. 6- Off to PPTH

While House was asleep on the couch she tried to get some work done, but her worry for him would often flood her brain. She would check on him often, he was always asleep when she did, but it helped her ease her worrying. She let him sleep through lunch, she would make sure he ate when he got up, but there was no sense in waking him just to eat. If she was thinking correctly it had been a long time since he got to sleep for hours, so this time was good for him. She ordered some sandwiches from a local deli and had them delivered. She got him a Ruben with no pickles and put it in the fridge for later. After lunch she sat in the living room with a book to read, she could keep an eye on him and read at the same time, plus he would be waking up soon, he had been out for close to three hours now.

He stirred slowly, first opening his eyes, then stretching with his arms extended. He then sat up and looked around the room, that's when he found Cuddy reading a book in the leather chair next to him.

"You're still here? I figured you would have left after all that…"

"I'm here for you and I'm here to help. I told you that's what I would do, so that's what I'm going to do for you. How was your nap?"

"Great actually, besides the shooting pain my leg likes to create, it was a good one. Haven't had one of those in a long time. What time is it?"

"Little after two. You've been out for about three hours. You missed lunch but I figured I wouldn't wake you."

"I appreciate that."

He looked around the room, on every flat surface, his eyes scanning for that little orange bottle he carried around like a security blanket. Cuddy realized what he was looking for and got one off the piano for him.

"I usually keep one near me, but I must have forgotten today."

"How's the leg?" She knew she was asking a loaded question, but she tried to keep the tone conversational, she didn't want him to ask her to leave because she was prying.

"It's a little worse than it usually is. Still pisses me off…I don't know why it's been shaking lately. Hopefully we will find out tomorrow."

"Speaking of tomorrow, while you were asleep I made the calls and we are all set for tomorrow morning, around seven. I know you don't get up that early, but I figured it was a small price to pay to keep your tests a secret."

"I understand."

She got him some lunch which he appreciated, even though he didn't say it. They sat and watched television and read until dinner. They ordered out again and turned into bed early since they had to be at the hospital at seven the next day.

"House, do you want me or need me to spend the night again?"

"It's up to you, I sleep well either way." They both knew that was a lie; that no matter what he didn't sleep well ever, but they both ignored that for the time being.

"I would stay but I don't have any more clean clothing and I should have something presentable for tomorrow just in case someone sees us, they will think we are catching up on work and not doing an MRI on you."

"Sounds like a plan." He yawned.

"Ok so I will go to my house for the night and I will be back here around 6:30 to make sure you are up and ready. If you need anything just call."

"You don't have to come that early, but I know you will anyway so see you tomorrow."

"See you."

He watched her go to the door and leave. He desperately wanted to get up and show her to the door, but his leg wouldn't allow him quite yet. It was still early, about eight, but he was more tired than usual and decided to go to bed. He stood next to the couch, but the pain in his leg forced him back down. It seared and stabbed; he rubbed it like usual to try to get it to calm down. It shook like it did the night Cuddy was there and he tried to mimic her massage to make it settle down enough so that he could get to his room. After fifteen minutes he could finally rise, with difficulty, and made his way to the bathroom then to his room. He laid down and reached for the neighboring pillow. It still smelled like Lisa. He hugged the pillow and slept like that for the night.

He didn't hear her car pull up or the front door open, he must really sleep well when he's thinking of Cuddy. He awoke to Lisa lying next to him, stroking his hair. He awoke slowly, still groggy with sleep; it was 6:30 after all. He looked at her and sort of smiled.

"I knew it was you." The smirk spread to Cuddy's face as well.

"C'mon you have to get up. We have to be at the hospital at seven."

"It doesn't take that long to get there."

"I know, but I don't know how long it takes you to get ready. You're slower than usual lately, I notice even if you don't."

House knew she was right, but he didn't say anything. He had told himself last night that he wouldn't need her help this morning, but she was going to help him anyway. Together they found a pain of clean jeans and a nice t-shirt. He was surprised how well she could find his stuff, considering he couldn't find it most days. Maybe he couldn't find it because he usually had pain and work on his mind. He chose a pair of Nike Shox to wear to the hospital and hoped that they weren't there too long.

"Whose car are we taking?"

"We can take mine, I'll drive."

It would be easiest if he didn't drive, since he wasn't sure how long the Vicodin would last today. Once he had all his things, (Ipod, Vicodin, cell phone, and wallet) they were set to go. Slowly he made his way to her car, and together they drove off to PPTH.