Disclaimer - I own nothing. As you are all fully aware by now.

I'm staying round a friend's tomorrow evening, so no new chapter after this until saturday evening (GMT). However, as you are all such lovely reviewers (really, I have never had reviewers quite as nice), I felt guilty, so this chapter is extra early, and extra nice.

This chapter is a little different to the others. Key: House's thoughts, Cuddy's thoughts.

Roses are red…

Red like those shoes. She only wears them about once a month. Usually on days she's feeling bad, or she's got something tough to face. They are the most expensive shoes she owns, and they are also the highest. Sometimes she wears them because they make her feel sexy. Other times she wears them because she knows them make her look sophisticated. Lately, she's been wearing them more often. I know why. She likes to feel almost as tall as me. It makes the arguments more bearable.

Red. I have to work hard not to turn that colour whenever I'm around him. Sometimes it's because I'm angry. Sometimes it's because he can make me feel so embarrassed - like I'm about three inches tall. Other times it's because he makes my heart race, and the butterflies in my stomach make me feel like a teenager again. God, that's pathetic.

Violets are blue…

Blue's the colour my face would be shortly after trying anything with her. She'd kill me. Strangle me until I told her I was joking.

It's the colour that represents sadness, isn't it? That's what they say. 'I'm feeling blue'. That's how I feel at the moment. Sexually charged banter is great, but though you never expect it to happen, you grow up. Suddenly, certain things look more desirable. Things like…clothes that are made to be practical, not fashionable, a cup of tea on the sofa, as opposed to a night out, marriage. Well, maybe not marriage. Not with the person I have in mind, but at least some kind of relationship.

Sugar is sweet…

But, then again, maybe not. Maybe I should say something. After all, when House is bad, he's very, very bad, but when he's nice, women fall at his feet.

Ah, what's the worst that could happen? I need to do something. I'm not going to have yet another birthday where I sit and wonder where my life has gone. I'm fed up of regrets, and waiting. I need to do something!

And so are you!

I think…

I love you.

HMD HMD HMD

Lisa and House,

Sitting in a tree.

Clearly it is meant to be.

And so, realisation dawns.

As if I even have to ask any more :)