The next day no one had expected to see House limp through the doors of the conference room. It wasn't the fact that he was there that surprised the team, it was how he looked.
The diagnostician was dressed in the same sports coat and jeans he always wore but his face was different, clean shaven.
"Good morning, I trust you all slept well."
Foreman was the first to speak as a sly grin spread across his face "Morning House, how's Cuddy?"
This question threw the department head off guard but thankfully he hid it well.
"Haven't seen her yet today."
Hoping the subject would be dropped, House limped over to the coffee machine and poured himself a cup.
Exchanging a glance the three junior diagnosticians went to separate sides of the coffee table while Kutner couldn't help but grin "You mean except when you left the apartment?"
That's when something snapped inside of House as he turned to tear Kutner a new one but, choosing to remain civil the older doctor replied "Oh, so you heard?"
"Its true?"
At this question House shrugged while taking a sip of his coffee.
"Why wouldn't it be? Besides, she's been hot for me for years."
This being said, silence filled the room once again as everyone could only stare in disbelief.
A satisfied smile appeared on his lips as House wafted in the glare of his minions. He had missed this, being able to shock anyone with the simplest sentence.
"Anyway, I forgot to mention one little thing, we've got a new case."
After a rather interesting start to the day, everything seemed to go back to normal except in the clinic.
Knocking on the door of exam room 3 Cuddy sighed before a familiar voice was heard to say "Its open."
As usual there was House sitting on a stool with a Reuben sandwich in hand watching General Hospital. However, that wasn't why she was there "Can we talk?"
"Sure, what's on your mind Lisa?"
The way House said her name was comforting to Cuddy as she had a seat on a near by stool.
"Why aren't you having lunch with Wilson?"
"Had a lot to think about after last night." (Seeing the worried glance in his lover's eyes Greg explained.) "There are some changes that you need to know about. First of all, I'd like to wean myself off of the Vicoden. Maybe even go into physical therapy, maybe. Secondly, and this is the most important. (Sigh) I'm going to stop taking advantage of you and Wilson. I'm an adult, its about time I started acting like one."
Hearing what House had to say, Cuddy was to say the least stunned but proud of him for making the decision to change. However, one thing still bothered her as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"What brought this on?"
"Well, he's my best friend I owe him this. And if you and I are going to be together, I have to change other wise well…..you know."
Cuddy did know. It was apparent to her that this man had changed since the accident. Not only in appearance but also in spirit.
Taking his hand in hers, the dean of medicine squeezed it tightly while meeting House's gaze.
"If there's anything you need."
A sly grin spread out across House's face as he looked deeply into her eyes.
"Oh, I can think of a few things."