The day it happened, Cuddy was the first to find out. Wilson said it was because he valued her as a friend. House said it was because she was the only one who could give them time off, plus he wanted to see her in a nice low cut top so he would have pleasant scenery at his wedding.
Whatever the reason, House woke Cuddy at 6:30. This wasn't as odd as it may have sounded. House's leg frequently hurt during the early hours of the morning, and bothering people allowed him to forget about it long enough to go back to sleep.
Normally his friends were forgiving of the calls, as it meant House was in so much pain he wouldn't be able to function if he couldn't sleep a little longer. However, on this occasion, House sounded incredibly happy and awake, so Cuddy's reply to his request for vacation time was slightly harsh.
"But we want you to come too! Wilson and I are getting married."
Cuddy rolled her eyes, and would have hung up if another voice hadn't come on, reassuring her it was true. Normally she wouldn't trust the voice, House having amongst his many talents a remarkable skill at mimicry, but when they both spoke at the same time, she agreed that if they came and picked her up, she'd be their witness.
Later on, she'd be incredibly smug about this choice, as it allowed her to finally know something about her staff before Radiology caught wind of the gossip. For now though, she just wasn't sure quite what to wear. It wasn't going to be a fancy wedding, so nothing too big, and what if it was all one of House's hoaxes? In the end, she settled for a step up from work clothes, but only just.
Outside, Wilson's slightly beat up Volvo was tooting, so she grabbed her earrings and ran. Once in the back, she found herself sitting next to a familiar looking man. After he introduced himself, she remembered he was Wilson's brother, Joseph. He was looking rather nice, in a plain suit, but it was the two doctors in front that were the real knockouts.
Cuddy wasn't sure where they had found their outfits at this time of the morning, but they were looking incredible. House had been forced, probably kicking and screaming, into a black suit with a navy blue shirt that brought out his eyes. He somehow managed to give it a slightly rakish air, despite his appearance being perfect.
Wilson was dressed identically, but everything about him was neat and orderly. Cuddy shook her head; still not quite believing it was real. She hadn't even known they were dating!
Cuddy, to her embarrassment, found herself crying during the wedding. She stood on House's side, while Joseph stood by Wilson, and it was the realisation that they actually were in love, combined with the fact that she was House's closest person (other than Wilson, of course) that made her weep like a baby.
She assured them she wouldn't tell anyone, though she was willing to bet that their matching rings would raise a few eyebrows. Messrs. James and Gregory House were now lawfully wed, and she knew House would have fun telling everyone.
"Good morning ducklings!" House carolled as he limped into the room.
Chase, ever pedantic, pointed out that it was past twelve.
"Yes, but in Australia, it's morning. Honestly, forgetting your homeland?"
Chase ignored him, and House limped up to the white board.
"So, what new and unusual cases do we have today?"
"Nothing." Foreman replied, slightly sourly. He was beginning to realise why House hated Clinic Duty so much.
"Damn. Oh well, Clinic Duty it is then." He left, whistling a cheerful little tune as he walked over to the elevator.
"Someone got laid last night!" Foreman snickered, and Cameron scowled at him.
"That isn't the only reason people can be cheerful."
"She's just sour, because it wasn't her he was with." Chase put in, then winced as Cameron turned to glare at him too.
"I bet you fifty bucks that he's so cheerful because he got some last night."
"Fine. You're on."
The doctors walked down to the examining rooms, Cameron and Foreman to get proof, Chase for entertainment value.
Cameron poked her head into Exam Room 3.
"Dr. House?" She called out meekly, and House turned to see who it was.
"Here. Take these. Follow the instructions."
He chucked a pill bottle to a teenager, who left as the three doctors entered the room.
"Do we have a case?"
"No. But Foreman was wondering why you were so cheerful this morning…"
House chuckled, "Let me guess. You put money on me being so happy because I got laid, Cameron put it on another reason, and the Wombat is here for fun."
They all nodded, used to House's seeming omniscience.
"Fine. Technically, Cameron is right, my good mood is for another reason. However," he interjected, as money started to change hands with ill grace, "I did get some last night. And this morning."
"Then who wins?" Foreman asked, looking slightly confused.
"I do." He grabbed the money off them both, and limped up to the front desk. "House, signing out."
The ducklings followed, still moaning about the results. It was Chase who first thought to ask the question they'd forgotten.
"Why were you so happy then?"
House waved a hand in his face, and Chase grabbed it.
"You got… Married?"
The other two gasped.
"What woman would take you, other than Cameron?" Cameron slapped Foreman on the arm, but seemed curious as well.
"No woman, apparently. Though I think I could have had Cuddy. She seemed happy enough to be on my side."
"What do you mean, no woman?" Cameron asked curiously.
"Just what I said. I married Wilson." While they still stood there, he backed into the elevator, still clutching their money. "Don't forget you have clinic duty!"